More than 8 million people in the United States have Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D., also known as poor circulation in the legs)
P.A.D. could be a sign of real danger. Having poor blood circulation in the legs means that you may also have it in your heart and brain as well. And that can double your risk for a heart attack or stroke. This can put you at an increased risk for heart attack or stroke. If the plaque ruptures and a clot forms in an artery supplying blood to the heart, heart-related chest pain or a heart attack can occur. If a clot forms in an artery leading to the brain, a stroke can occur.
Did You Know?
Research shows that people who have P.A.D. face a:
- 4 times greater risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke than the general population
- 2 times greater risk of having a stroke than the general population
Plavix® (clopidogrel bisulfate) may reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke associated with P.A.D. *
Having poor circulation in the legs means that you may also have it in your heart and brain as well. This can put you at an increased risk for heart attack or stroke. In fact, poor circulation increases the development of the blood clots that cause most heart attacks and strokes.
See how PLAVIX helps keep platelets from sticking together and forming clots.
Most people with P.A.D. experience no symptoms at all, which is why it is called a “silent” condition. For those who have been diagnosed with P.A.D., by the time they actually feel pain or heaviness in their legs due to poor leg circulation, the buildup of plaque may have narrowed the arteries by 60% or more.
Plavix® (clopidogrel bisulfate) was FDA approved in 1997. Doctors have written
Plavix® (clopidogrel bisulfate) prescriptions to over 115 million people.*
If you have poor leg circulation and are diagnosed with P.A.D., ask your doctor if PLAVIX might be the right choice for you.†
Know the symptoms
P.A.D. is marked by recognizable symptoms that often occur when you exercise—pain, cramps, heaviness or tiredness in your calves, thighs, or buttocks. Even just walking a short distance can aggravate these symptoms. The discomfort eases when you rest.
Know your risk factors
Because many people with P.A.D. have no symptoms, it's important to know and identify the risk factors for P.A.D. If you have any ONE of the following risk factors, talk to your doctor about getting tested for P.A.D.
- You're over 50 and have one or more of the following:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Smoke or used to smoke
- A history of heart attack or stroke
- You're over 70
Know that treatment can help
When you’ve been diagnosed with P.A.D., it can be like an alarm going off, warning you to take action now…and that can be frightening. But there’s no need to let fear keep you from taking care of yourself in the best way possible. Learn about P.A.D., talk to your doctor about what you need to do to help reduce your risk of a future heart attack or stroke.
†PLAVIX is not indicated for the treatment of symptoms of P.A.D. PLAVIX helps keep blood platelets from sticking together and forming clots, the cause of most heart attacks and strokes.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Certain genetic factors and some medicines such as Prilosec or Nexium reduce the effect of PLAVIX leaving you at greater risk for heart attack and stroke. Your doctor may use genetic tests to determine treatment. Don’t stop taking PLAVIX without talking to your doctor as your risk of heart attack or stroke may increase. People with stomach ulcers or conditions that cause bleeding should not use PLAVIX. Taking PLAVIX alone or with some other medicines, including aspirin, may increase bleeding risk which can potentially be life-threatening. So tell your doctor when planning surgery. Tell your doctor all medicines you take, including aspirin, especially if you’ve had a stroke. If fever, unexplained weakness or confusion develops, tell your doctor promptly. These may be signs of TTP, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition, reported sometimes less than 2 weeks after starting PLAVIX.
INDICATIONS
Plavix® (clopidogrel bisulfate) is a prescription only medicine that helps keep blood platelets from sticking together and forming clots.
PLAVIX is for patients who have:
• had a recent heart attack
• had a recent stroke
• poor circulation in the legs (Peripheral Artery Disease)
PLAVIX in combination with aspirin is for patients hospitalized with:
• heart-related chest pain
• heart attack
Doctors may refer to these conditions as ACS (Acute Coronary Syndrome).
Always talk to your doctor before taking aspirin or other medicines with PLAVIX, especially if you've had a stroke.
Click here for US Full Prescribing Information Including BOXED WARNING
and Medication Guide for PLAVIX
Remember, your doctor is the single best source of information regarding your health. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions about your health, your medicine, or experience any side effects of PLAVIX.