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Steroids as treatment for allergic reactions to Plavix

Plavix (Clopidogrel), a widely prescribed drug for cardiac patients, is estimated to cause allergic reactions in about six percent of those taking the drug. It is an important medication especially for those who underwent angioplasty with aortic stent. Aortic stents are used to prevent further injury and bleeding within the vessel and taking the drug,Plavix, helps prevent clotting of the stent (stent thrombosis). Maintenance of the drug would usually last for a year following stent procedure. Discontinued use might pose as a risk for a fatal heart attack.

One major problem encountered, however, is the allergic symptom that might surface following drug intake. Previous treatment is usually done by giving the patient an alternative drug but it can also have its side effects. A team of cardiologist at the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, decided to tackle a different approach to this problem. Instead of looking for althernative drugs, they decided to concentrate on decreasing or suppressing allergic symptoms by administering low doses of steroids and antihistamines while continuing Plavix medication.

The result is a surprising “desensitization” to the drug, enabling them to continue with the treatment. After this, steroids and antihistamines were discontinued. This is the first reported systematic study to demonstrate that allergic reactions to the drug could be managed even without its discontinued use.

From Dr. Kimberly Campbell of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital:

“The saying goes ‘necessity is the mother of invention’ and that’s exactly what we have here,” said Campbell. “Plavix is a necessity in treating many cardiac patients, especially those with stents. Patients with allergic reactions have few alternatives and stopping Plavix can result in life-threatening complications. We needed to find a way to keep Plavix-allergic cardiac patients on this drug to help ensure positive cardiovascular outcomes and in this small group we did. Hopefully, in the future, we can expand the study and investigate ways to apply this in treating allergic reactions to other life-saving drugs.”