A Potent Alternative to Clopidogrel Emerges

Prasugrel appears to lower heart attack risk for patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Published: July 1, 2010

Clopidogrel (Plavix) is one of the best-selling drugs in the world and is a proven treatment to help reduce the risk of blood clot formation in patients with coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease and cerebrovascular disease. However, about 25 percent of the patients who are prescribed clopidogrel dont respond well to it, explains Stephen G. Ellis, MD, Section Head of Invasive/Interventional Cardiology in the Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart & Vascular Institute at Cleveland Clinic.