Plavix Allergy May be so Passe'

Plavix allergy can be overcome with combined treatment of antihistamines and steroids

(RxWiki News) Allergic reactions to Plavix can lead many people to stop taking it and miss out on valuable treatment. Luckily, it looks like the allergic reaction to Plavix can be overcome.

A new study shows that allergic reactions to Plavix can be overcome with antihistamines and steroids. A Plavix allergy affects around six percent of people who were prescribed the drug.

This sensitivity forced patients off the drug leading to a possible blood clot or heart attack.

"Talk to your doctor about the benefits or possible risks."

Plavix is a blood thinner that is prescribed to patients to prevent blood clots after various heart procedures. An interruption from using Plavix could lead blood clots, blood vessel narrowing or a heart attack.

The study was led by Michael P. Savage, MD, director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Thomas Jefferson University. Researchers studied 24 patients who were prescribed Plavix but developed allergies to the drug. The patients were taking Plavix after getting a stent inserted to open clogged blood vessels.

Using a short course of steroids and antihistamines, 21 out of the 24 patients were able to use Plavix without interruption.

After a stent, patients are prescribed Plavix to use for a year. Dr. Savage says that this can prove quite problematic for patients who have a sensitivity to the drug. Every patient who receives a stent is prescribed Plavix making this allergic reaction quite problematic despite the lower percentage.

Patients with a Plavix allergy had to stop using the drug and use a secondary treatment which has its own side effects and risks. The researchers wanted to focus on Plavix and see if there was a way to have patients continue using the drug.

Even better, this is a quick solution without a long-term commitment. The combined antihistamine and steroid treatment can be stopped and does not need to be used the whole time a patient is using Plavix.

Future studies can determine what length of time yields the best results for the combined antihistamine and steroid treatment. For now, this is encouraging news for any patients who may develop a sensitivity to Plavix.

There were no conflicts reported and funding information was unavailable.

This study was published by Thomas Jefferson University.

Review Date: 
January 17, 2012