Plavix

clopidogrel

Plavix (clopidogrel) is used for reducing the risk of stroke or heart attack in patients who have already had a heart attack or stroke, or have other circulatory problems due to narrowing and hardening of the arteries. It also may be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

What is Plavix?

Plavix prevents platelets in blood from sticking together and clotting, thereby reducing the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other related heart problems such as chest pain caused by atherosclerosis (build-up of fat in your arteries). Plavix is commonly prescribed with aspirin after coronary stent placement.

Before taking Plavix

Some medical conditions may interact with Plavix. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have bone marrow disease, liver or kidney problems, or a history of ulcers
• if you have increased risk of bleeding because of trauma or surgery, including dental surgery

How should I take Plavix?

Take Plavix exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Take this medication with a full glass of water. Plavix can be taken with or without food.

Because clopidogrel keeps your blood from coagulating (clotting) to prevent unwanted blood clots, it can also make it easier for you to bleed, even from a minor injury. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have bleeding that will not stop. To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Plavix side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue using Plavix.

Side effects may include: abdominal pain, back pain, bronchitis, bruising and bleeding under the skin, chest pain, coughing, depression, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, dizziness, fatigue, fluid retention and swelling, flu symptoms, headache, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, indigestion, inflammation of the nasal passages, itching, joint pain, nausea, pain, purple discoloration of skin, rash, upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection

Precautions

Plavix may cause dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Plavix with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it. Plavix may reduce the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. Avoid activities that may cause bruising or injury. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding. Tell your doctor if you have dark, tarry, or bloody stools.

Drug interactions

Plavix increases the clot-fighting effect of aspirin. The two drugs are often taken together, and combined treatment has lasted for up to one year. If Plavix is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Ask your doctor before starting any new drug; and be doubly careful before combining Plavix with the following:

• Aspirin
• Fluvastatin
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Phenytoin
• Tamoxifen
• Tolbutamide
• Torsemide
• Warfarin

Preganacy

The effects of Plavix during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Use Plavix during pregnancy only if absolutely necessary. Do not breastfeed while taking Plavix, since the drug may appear in breast milk.

Overdose

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Plavix, seek medical attention immediately. Potential symptoms of Plavix overdose may include: difficulty breathing, exhaustion, prolonged bleeding, stomach or intestinal bleeding, vomiting.

Notes

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Plavix. If you have any other questions about Plavix, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.