EMEA statement on possible interaction between clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitors

4th June 2009

Concomitant use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and clopidogrel is not advisable unless absolutely necessary, the EU Committee for Medicinal products for Human Use (CHMP) and its Pharmacovigilance Working Party (PhVWP) has concluded. This is due to concerns that PPIs may reduce the effectiveness of clopidogrel. In a public statement on the possible interaction, the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) said that product information for all clopidogrel-containing medicines will be amended to reflect this.

Action
The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have issued this advice:

* The need for PPI therapy in patients who are also taking clopidogrel should be reviewed at their next appointment: only use these medicines concomitantly when essential
* Prescribe PPIs strictly in line with their licensed indications
* Check that patients who are taking clopidogrel are not buying over-thecounter omeprazole.

More information is available on the NPCi site