Is it safe to take heartburn medicine if I am taking Plavix for a stent?

Interventional cardiologists - cardiologists with special training to open blocked arteries through catheter-based procedures such as angioplasty and stenting—have now learned from a number of studies that some patients who are on both Plavix (clopidogrel) and stomach medicines (called proton pump inhibitors), such as Prilosec, Nexium, Protonix and Prevacid may have a higher risk of blood clots forming in the stent. In a small number of patients, a potential interaction can interfere with the ability of Plavix to function in its usual manner when used in combination with these heartburn medicines. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about this possible interaction.

If you are taking both Plavix and a proton pump inhibitor, talk to your prescribing doctor about your medicines. Your physician may be able to prescribe a different heartburn or antiplatelet medicine for you. While you wait to speak with your doctor, DO NOT stop taking Plavix. Doing so could raise your risk of a stroke or heart attack.