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Supplement × Prescription·Evidence index

Clopidogrel and Fish Oil: what the research found

PubMed indexes 7 records that name Clopidogrel and Fish Oil together, either in the title or in an interaction, co-administration, or pharmacokinetic context. The key findings come first, in the authors’ own words, followed by every study with its design and PubMed link.

A summary of published research, not medical advice. A pharmacist can check any combination against your full list of medicines and supplements.

Reviews & meta-analyses

Key findings ↓ How we select sources

Key findings

What the studies concluded.

Reviews and human studies first. Each quote is the authors’ own conclusion about their study, not a NutriStack assessment, and a single study is not a consensus.

“The addition of omega-3 ethyl esters significantly potentiates platelet response to clopidogrel after PCI mostly in patients with CYP2C19 loss-of-function polymorphism.”
Gajos et al. · 2012 · Human study · details

“In this pilot study we were able to successfully measure platelet surface charge variation as a measure of omega-3 PUFA effect on platelets. Our results suggest that omega-3 PUFA increase the total platelet surface charge and, therefore, attenuate platelet activation, even among patients taking aspirin or aspirin plus clopidogrel. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical significance of these measured…”
Cohen et al. · 2011 · Human study · details

“More patients had minor bleeding complications in the control group than in the treatment group; however, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.5). In conclusion, high-dose fish oil is safe in combination with aspirin and clopidogrel and does not increase the risk of bleeding compared with that seen with aspirin and clopidogrel alone.”
Watson et al. · 2009 · Human study · details

The research

7 studies naming Clopidogrel and Fish Oil.

Strongest relevance first: papers naming both substances in the title, then human trials and systematic reviews.

Increased bruising with the combination of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseed oil and clopidogrel.

Canadian pharmacists journal : CPJ = Revue des pharmaciens du Canada : RPC · 2013 · PMID 23795184

Case Reports

Names both Clopidogrel and Fish Oil in its title.

Polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids improve responsiveness to clopidogrel after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with cytochrome P450 2C19 loss-of-function polymorphism.

Kardiologia polska · 2012 · PMID 22623230

Randomized Controlled Trial

“The addition of omega-3 ethyl esters significantly potentiates platelet response to clopidogrel after PCI mostly in patients with CYP2C19 loss-of-function polymorphism.”
Gajos et al. · Authors' conclusion

Names both Clopidogrel and Fish Oil in its title.

Insights into the inhibition of platelet activation by omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: beyond aspirin and clopidogrel.

Thrombosis research · 2011 · PMID 21621252

Clinical Trial30 participants

“In this pilot study we were able to successfully measure platelet surface charge variation as a measure of omega-3 PUFA effect on platelets. Our results suggest that omega-3 PUFA increase the total platelet surface charge and, therefore, attenuate platelet activation, even among patients taking aspirin or aspirin plus clopidogrel. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical significance of these measured effects and EQELS results.”
Cohen et al. · Authors' conclusion

Names both Clopidogrel and Fish Oil in its title.

Comparison of bleeding complications with omega-3 fatty acids + aspirin + clopidogrel--versus--aspirin + clopidogrel in patients with cardiovascular disease.

The American journal of cardiology · 2009 · PMID 19801023

Comparative StudyHuman subjects182 participants

“More patients had minor bleeding complications in the control group than in the treatment group; however, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.5). In conclusion, high-dose fish oil is safe in combination with aspirin and clopidogrel and does not increase the risk of bleeding compared with that seen with aspirin and clopidogrel alone.”
Watson et al. · From the abstract

Names both Clopidogrel and Fish Oil in its title.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters do not Improve Clopidogrel Associated P2Y12 Inhibition in Stroke Patients.

Neurology international · 2015 · PMID 26294943

Names both Clopidogrel and Fish Oil in its title.

Omega-3--clopidogrel can help!

Kardiologia polska · 2012 · PMID 22623231

CommentHuman subjects

Names both Clopidogrel and Fish Oil in its title.

Ask the doctor. Since having a heart attack, I have been taking lisinopril, Zocor, Plavix, aspirin, a multivitamin, fish oil, calcium, vitamin D, coenzyme Q(10), chia oil, B-50 complex, grape seed extract, Nu-Zymes, Natural Energy supplement, Super C22 and astragalus. I am thinking of taking a brain booster called Procera AVH. Will it interfere with my heart medications?

Harvard heart letter : from Harvard Medical School · 2009 · PMID 19685568

Human subjects

Names both Clopidogrel and Fish Oil in its title.

Limitations

What this evidence cannot tell you.

Search-based evidence indexes have real limits, and it is worth being explicit about them:

Selection. These records were found by searching PubMed titles and abstracts for both substance names alongside interaction and pharmacokinetic terms. Relevant work that phrases things differently, or is not indexed in PubMed, will be missing.
No effect size. The quoted conclusions are the authors’ words about their own study. We have not extracted effect direction or magnitude, and a single study’s conclusion is not a consensus.
Population mismatch. Findings in healthy volunteers, animals, or a specific patient group may not transfer to you, your dose, or your formulation.
Absence is not safety. Few published studies means the combination is under-studied, which is not the same as established as safe.

How to read this page

A literature summary, not guidance.

A study listed here is not proof that Clopidogrel and Fish Oil interact. Two substances can be named together in a paper that never tested them in combination, and a source listed as background may cover only one of them.
Findings are quoted from each abstract as the authors wrote them. NutriStack has not re-analysed, pooled, or reconciled them, and they may disagree with each other.
Decisions about prescription medication and supplements belong with your prescriber or pharmacist, who can see your full regimen. Our timing guide and forms guide explain the general mechanisms.

NutriStack

Track what you actually take.

NutriStack is a free iPhone app for organising a supplement routine: what you take, when, and what the published record says about it. Its exploratory interaction checker covers Clopidogrel, Fish Oil, and several hundred other substances.

Log your routine, get reminders at the times you choose, and scan a label to add a product. The checker is a research and organisation tool, not a clinical decision aid.

Get NutriStack free → How sources are selected

NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.