Early Communication about Potential Drug Interaction Between PLAVIX and PROTON PUMP INHIBITORS
Medco Health Solutions, a pharmacy benefit provider, recently identified a possible drug interaction between clopidogrel (Plavix) and Aciphex (rabeprazole). In this study, patients taking Plavix together with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), like Aciphex (rabeprazole), had more heart and stroke problems than those who took Plavix alone. Plavix is most commonly used by patients who have had previous heart or stroke problems, and works by reducing platelet clotting activity ('thinning the blood'). PPIs are commonly used to treat heartburn by reducing acid production in the stomach. Examples of PPIs include over the counter medications such as Prilosec (omeprazole), and the prescription products Nexium (esomeprazole), Prevacid (lansoprazole), Protonix (pantoprazole), and Aciphex (rabeprazole). For more information please visit: http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/meeting_abstract/118/18_MeetingAbstracts/S_815?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=clopidogrel&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&volume=118&issue=18+Supplement&resourcetype=HWCIT
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Update on FDA Safety Review of Bisphosphonates
The FDA has issued a finalized safety review on bisphosphonates, like alendronate (Fosamax), and found no link between these medications and atrial fibrillation - an abnormal heart rhythm commonly known as "afib". Bisphosphonates are a type of medicine commonly used to treat patients with osteoporosis. For more information please visit: http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm101551.htm
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