Warning on stopping Plavix

BETHESDA, Md., March 17 (UPI) -- The American College of Cardiology warns U.S. patients taking Plavix for any reason, to consult their cardiologist before stopping this medication.

Recent media reports regarding the results of the CHARISMA Trial may be misinterpreted by patients with coronary stents and other conditions -- causing patients to stop taking the anti-clotting drug clopidogrel, also known as Plavix, inappropriately -- said the American College of Cardiology in a statement Friday.

Although the CHARISMA trial showed no benefit to combining Plavix and aspirin for certain patients, this study does not invalidate use of the drug for approved indications, such as stenting, the group said.

Certain other patients are given Plavix after hospitalization for heart attack or stroke. Patients with these conditions must discuss the benefits and risks of anti-clotting medication with their health care provider and should not stop Plavix on their own, the cardiology group said.

Discontinuation of Plavix in patients with recently-placed stents can cause clot formation within the stent, resulting in serious harm or death, the statement said.