Heart and Brain: Blood thinner dangers (Clopidogrel)

Heart drug may cause Heart Attack or Bleeding: Clopidogrel

People with heart disease and/or stroke are put on this medicine, but in the majority it leads to heart attack, which it was intended to prevent, or to bleeding emergencies. This test is for you:

>Heart disease or Stroke
High cholesterol
Risk of heart attack
Users of Clopidogrel, Ticagrelor or Prasugrel

The US FDA recommends genetic testing for guiding the appropriate dose of this medicine. If you’re taking expensive drugs that cost Rs 4000-5000 per month, let’s find out if you can take the standard dose and save thousands.

Please do not take or modify therapy without your doctor's consultation

Product Description

Click here for explanation on the science about the genetics

The most common blood thinner has to be given at the right dose for it to be effective and safe. Instead, if you’re taking drugs that are 100-times more expensive, you may be wasting money unnecessarily. The report will predict your risks for emergencies such as heart attack, stroke or internal bleeding when given this medicine, and advice your doctor on the safe dosage or alternative therapy.

On the other hand, those of you that can take this medicine safely may be taking other more expensive drugs. This test will guide you on switching to the cheaper generic medicine and staying healthy both in body and bank account.

Science

Genes tested: CYP2C19*2, CYP2C19*3, CYP2C19*17

Clopidogrel is metabolized in the body to its active form, and this metabolism is controlled by genes. Six out of 10 people carry a mutation either slowing down their metabolism or speeding it up considerably. This results in either inadequate drug or excess of it in blood. Both can be extremely dangerous situations leading to emergency situations such as repeat heart attack, stroke or internal bleeding.

References

Cresci S et al. 2014, Circulation and Cardiovascular Genetics
Horenstein RB et al. 2014, Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
Scott SA et al. 2013, Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Mao L et al. 2013, Archives of Cardiovascular Diseases
Zabalza M et al. 2012, Heart