Generic versions of blood thinning plavix approved by FDA

Generic versions of blood-thinning medication - Plavix (clopidogrel bisulfate) - have been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Clopidogrel bisulfate reduces the likelihood of blood platelets clumping together and forming clots in blood vessels, resulting in a lower risk of stroke and heart attack. Clopidogrel is approved by the FDA for individuals who recently had a stroke or heart attack, as well as patients who have peripheral artery disease - partial or total blockage of an artery. Keith Webber, Ph.D., deputy director of the Office of Pharmaceutical Science in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said: "For people who must manage chronic health conditions, having effective and affordable treatment options is important. The generic products approved today will expand those options for patients." Clopidogrel might not be effective with some patients with genetic factors that cause the body to metabolize the medication differently. The FDA says that clopidogrel has a boxed warning alerting doctors about this. Doctors can screen patients for the genetic factors that alter how clopidogrel is metabolized in the body. Clopidogrel's efficacy can also be affected by some medications, such as the proton pump inhibitors esomeprazole (Nexium) and omeprazole (Prilosec). Patients on such drugs may continue with high heart attack and stroke risk if they take clopidogrel.