Clopidogrel goes generic (USA)

On May 17, 2012, the FDA approved generic versions of the blood thinning drug clopidogrel (Plavix, Bristol-Myers Squibb/Sanofi-Aventis), which helps reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Clopidogrel is FDA approved to treat patients who have had a recent heart attack or a recent stroke, or have partial or total blockage of an artery (peripheral artery disease). The anticipation of this generic approval of this popular drug has led many to question its affect on the antiplatelet drug market. "For people who must manage chronic health conditions, having effective and affordable treatment options is important," said Keith Webber, PhD, deputy director of the Office of Pharmaceutical Science in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "The generic products approved today will expand those options for patients."

New anti-clotting drug beats Plavix

A new anti-clotting drug, ticagrelor (Brilinta), was better than than clopidogrel (Plavix) in preventing new heart attacks and in reducing deaths among patients who have had a heart attack, a new study finds. "Clopidogrel is widely used in the treatment of acute coronary syndrome," said lead researcher Dr. Robert A. Harrington, director of the Duke Clinical Research Institute at Duke University. "Ticagrelor looks to be a superior antiplatelet agent in patients with acute coronary syndrome." Co-researcher Dr. Lars Wallentin, a professor of cardiology at the Uppsala Clinical Research Center at University Hospital, in Sweden, added that "now we have a new and better alternative to standard treatment to prevent patients with myocardial infarction from new myocardial infarction, and also to improve their chances of survival." The report is published in the August 30 online edition of the New England Journal of Medicine, to coincide with the planned presentation of the study Sunday at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Barcelona. - Drugs.com

Proton pump inhibitors increase risk of heart attacks for patients on common cardiac drug

"Patients taking the common cardiac drug clopidogrel following a heart attack are at a significantly higher risk of a recurrence if they are also taking widely used acid-lowering medications called proton pump inhibitors, a new study published online in CMAJ has found" - Physorg.com

Faster medication = fewer heart attacks, according to new study

"Patients who received urgently needed medication immediately after artery-opening surgery had fewer heart attacks and rehospitalizations following their surgeries, according to a new study published today in the New England Journal of Medicine. Study author Cynthia A. Jackevicius, PharmD, Western University of Health Sciences Associate Professor for Pharmacy Practice and Administration, said the study found that adopting less restrictive health insurance policies for clopidogrel (trade name: Plavix) resulted in improved cardiovascular outcomes. Clopidogrel helps prevent blood clots" - redOrbit