Plavix Or Generic?

[Lopburi99]

I need to decide whether to continue on Plavix by name or switch to Apolets, it's generic equivalent from Canada (only 900 baht/month here). Several people have remarked they have shied away from the generic because it was "buffered differently", whatever that means. On the Apolets box reads: "Each tablet contains 98.0 mg of clopidogrel bisulfate equivalent to 75 mg of clopidogrel base". Equivalent? This means not the same I assume. Has this worried anybody or have you been assured by a cardiologist Apolets are an acceptable alternative to prescription Plavix? BTW, I had two DES stents inserted and a branch angioplasty (both in my LAD artery) last spring in the U.S., but I am back in LOS now and intend to stay here as long as my health holds up.

[pauleddy]

I had one stent about 3 yrs ago, and for a time I used the generic. The real stuff is not cheap here.

You can buy it even cheaper in the pharmacies opposite Chula hospital near the Rodeo Steakhouse Pub... especially the one which is run by an older Thai-chinese guy and about 4 of his daughters. Yes, it's Apolets or Apogets, I can't remember.

My cardiologist didn't object but he did tell me that he himself could only give me real Plavix because it was what the hospital normally gave out. He had heard no bad reports, but said that he had no good ones either! Same-same! I am in the social security here, and we are talking gvment hospital (although I do pay because I go to the evening clinic).

I had no problems with it but I think you need to compare the two on google and maybe see what yr MD says. Clopodigrel is clopodigrel. Generic Valium is still valium. Here, I find that you need to be wary of the counterfeit pakistani and viet stuff. The canadian stuff should be OK.

Here, the routine for 1 stent is Plavix for the first year only and then baby aspirin instead, plus beta blocker/or verapamil, and a calcium antagonist to reduce angina. I have GTN but don't use it. Aspirin, like plavix, means that you may need a stomach-liner too, forever. The stent was fine on recheck. I drink at least 2 glasses of red wine a day, which keeps me unblocked!

Some cardios may still advise Plavix long-term, but I was glad to finish it after a year because it is such a good de-coagulant that I was getting little bruises easily! Also, don't forget that you need to stop Plavix ahead of minor or major surgery, ditto aspirin.

PaulEddy

[meatboy]

i had by pass and heart surgery 4years ago and take 8tabs a day all are generics 900bht does seem exspensive my dearest one is perindopril 420=30tabs.

[chiang mai]

I changed from Plavix to Apolets about six months ago, my cardiologist suggested it was safe to do so and I've had no problems, one stent four years ago.

Just a note on Plavix: whilst there have not been any formal studies on the subject there's a whole host of circumstantial evidence to suggest that it's risky to stop taking Plavix within the first year after PCI and this because the of the rebound effect in platelet production which causes a surge and subsequently a cardiac blockage. The Veterans Admin in the US did an informal study of 3,000 patients who had undergone PCI and were prescribed Plavix, the result of that study showed that the risk of a cardiac event decreased over time where it was at it's highest during the first ninety days and this represented an additional 3% risk of an event - after three years the study found that risk reduced down to near zero.

[lanny]

I have not had stents implanted but take Plavix as a result of a series of strokes. My doctors say Plavix thins the blood and decreases the chances of circulatory problems. Anyone know if making a switch would have any adverse effects?

[Lopburi99]

I changed from Plavix to Apolets about six months ago, my cardiologist suggested it was safe to do so and I've had no problems, one stent four years ago.

Just a note on Plavix: whilst there have not been any formal studies on the subject there's a whole host of circumstantial evidence to suggest that it's risky to stop taking Plavix within the first year after PCI and this because the of the rebound effect in platelet production which causes a surge and subsequently a cardiac blockage. The Veterans Admin in the US did an informal study of 3,000 patients who had undergone PCI and were prescribed Plavix, the result of that study showed that the risk of a cardiac event decreased over time where it was at it's highest during the first ninety days and this represented an additional 3% risk of an event - after three years the study found that risk reduced down to near zero.

That's good to hear about the VA study. I had been thinking I would just keep taking Plavix (or Apolets if I had switched) after the first year and indefinitely, not wanting to take a chance. But if the risk of another event drops to near zero after three years, I will strongly consider stopping whatever I am on at the time. Actually with my dramatically improved eating habits since returning here August 1 (only what is on the cardiac diet) along with my 2km daily walk I have already had a weight drop from 235 lbs. lbs to 210, I may be fine for quite awhile . 185-190 is my target.

We'll see Lanny because I intend to switch from Plavix to Apolets on 1/1/12 when my prescription coverage ends unless somebody here uncovers a compelling reason not to. Chiang mai's switch being uneventful is a good sign. Cost is very much an issue for me unfortunately.

Edited October 22, 2011 by Lopburi99