Prasugrel as a safe alternative for clopidogrel-associated arthritis

Clopidogrel is a thienopyridine derivative antiplatelet compound. The antiplatelet effects of clopidogrel originate through noncompetitive antagonism of the platelet ADP receptor, P2Y12, resulting in inhibition of platelet activation. Clopidogrel is now widely used in acute coronary syndromes and after percutaneous coronary interventions to reduce the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events. We report a case of acute migratory polyarthritis associated with the use of clopidogrel. This serves as only the second documented case of clopidogrel-associated arthritis in the United States, and the first to show that prasugrel may be considered as an alternative agent without short-term reoccurrence.