Evidence for Clopidogrel as well as Wafarin

[Elaine77c]

You may remember that about a month or so ago I asked a question about the use of these two drugs together as the GP had stopped my Clopidogrel and I was feeling unwell without it. They put me back on it but only temporarily and no longer on a repeat prescription so they review it every time. I discovered that felt so unwell as INR was low as well. Anyway I have now been asked by GP to talk to Rheumatologist direct about whether I should be on both. I think that as INR will not seem to go up despite ever increasing Wafarin dose they are going to suggest Heparin (have needle phobia). I still feel that Clopidogrel deals with some symptoms that Wafarin doesn't, though hard to judge as it has never got to a high enough INR to be considered therapeutic! Has anyone got information on a journal article or other evidence supporting the use of an anti-coagulant and a drug that acts on the platelets at the same time that I could share with Rheumatologist? I feel I am fighting a bit of a losing battle here as the medical people cannot seem to see any benefit to it, just a higher risk of a bleed. Thanks Elaine

[Manofmendip]

Hello Elaine

I was on Warfarin and 75mg Aspirin for 10 years and had no real problems. That said, i did have some bowel bleeds and some bladder bleeds too.

I am now on Fragmin (LMW Heparin) as well as 75mg Aspirin and I feel much better than I did on Warfarin. I too had a needle phobia but you may well find, as I did, that you will soon get over that and be ok with self injecting.

Good luck and Best wishes.

Dave

PS I hope soon to be able to send round a PM of some suggested dates for our postponed meeting of Bristol/Bath members.

[Elaine77c in reply to Manofmendip]

Thanks Dave, will give it all some thought!

Yes I noticed the meeting had to be postponed, hopefully I can make the next one.

[Elaine77c]

Thanks for this, will give it a read through. A lot of people are on combinations so I am surprised that there is not more actual evidence for it! I am surprised about how well Clopidogrel suits me, but had no problem with Asprin, took it for years before I even knew I had APS as I thought it was good for me, only stopped when there was some controversy about it being used as regularly - probably one of my worst decisions...