dilmar

Hi, I live in the UK, where my pacemaker was fitted almost 5 weeks ago. The medication I've been given, Clopidogrel, seems to be upsetting my intestinal tract very badly. Is it essential to take a blood thinner like this if fitted with a pacemaker? I know people with stents need to take it, but I am wondering if this is unnecessary with a pacemaker, as I'd like to stop taking it. Thanks, dilmar

5 Comments

Why The Clopidogrel

by SMITTY - 2011-02-02 01:02:27

Hi Dilmar,

Let me put in my two cents worth on an answer to your question. Clopidogrel and a pacemaker are both for the purpose of treating heart disease, but maybe in totally different ways.

First think of the heart as being the pump that pumps blood throughout the body. A pacemaker is to assist the heart's natural electrical system which provides the energy to keep the heart pumping blood on a regular schedule. Then think of the arteries as being the pipes through which the heart pumps the blood. The Clopidogrel is for the purpose of keeping the pipes (arteries) open so that blood can flow through them.

Of course Clopidogrel can also be prescribed for other purpose. If our doctor thinks we have a condition (such as atrial fibrillation, but not limited to A-fib) that can put us at risk for having blood clots, Clopidogrel may be prescribed. I am going through a period of having frequent episodes of a-fib and during a recent visit with my Dr, he considered prescribing Plavix (Clopidogrel) to help prevent blood clots. But I can't take Plavix because I break out in a rash that looks very much like I have measles. So, I'll get another anticoagulant, which one is yet to be decided.

As Sara and Tracey have said I suggest that you not take it on yourself to stop the Clopidogrel> Check with your Dr and find out why it was prescribed as it could be for something only remotely connected to your pacemaker.

Good luck,

Smitty

PS: I had not read your last message when I wrote mine, so some of mine may be unnecessary. Smitty

ask

by Tracey_E - 2011-02-02 11:02:13

Simply having a pm isn't usually a reason to be on thinners, but sometimes the underlying reason why you have the pm is. Don't stop taking it on your own, ask first

Check with your Dr

by SaraTB - 2011-02-02 11:02:22

Hi Dilmar,
I'm in the US, but I'm British. I think it depends on what the reason for your pacemaker is. For myself, I was able to stop taking all medications once I had my pacemaker. Others here have medications to treat the underlying heart problem. It seems you should go back to your doctor - your GP can probably advise on this one - and ask exactly why you're taking Clopidogrel (known as Plavix in the US), and you should definitely state that it is upsetting your system.

I'm sorry I can't offer much more than that - it seems to me that you've been prescribed it for whatever heart condition you have, but I would definitely take it up with your GP.

Welcome to the forum
Sara

Thanks to Sara and Tracey

by dilmar - 2011-02-02 12:02:20

Thank you Sara and Tracey, both, for your comments on my query about Clopidogrel (your Plavix). As a result, I took a tablet for today; late, but within the 12 hours allowed.
My GP says to take it, whatever, but something I take is sending me to the bathroom all day long; I dare not leave the house! I have now left a phone message for the surgeon who fitted it to advise me.
No doubt he has a reason for giving me Clopidogrel. I had a mild heart attack on Christmas Eve, but the severe one was 26 years ago. Maybe he's just being cautious. While in hospital on a monitor, they noticed my pulse was only 30 while I slept, so the pacemaker was fitted immediately Christmas was over.
Apparently I have, or have had, a heart block, and now I have to have a thallium (nuclear) test to see if I need any further procedures, because I am so breathless when I walk.
The Heart Failure Clinic practice nurse has stopped the betablocker he gave me, in case that is the culprit. The Internet reports about the bleeding side effects of Clopdigrel are quite scary. Thanks again. dilmar

plavix

by gardener - 2011-03-26 12:03:31

I had trouble with clopidogrel when my GP tried to change my Plavix to the generic clopidogrel (very bad indigestion). Now that I have gone back to the brand named Plavix, I am ok again. GP's in the uk do this to save money.

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