Plavix (Clopidogrel)

Common uses

This medicine is an antiplatelet agent used to reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack in patients with atherosclerosis. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen (nsaids), warfarin, heparin, phenytoin, tamoxifen, tolbutamide, torsemide, and fluvastatin.

Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Use of Plavix is not recommended if you have gastrointestinal bleeding or a history of clotting disorders or ulcers. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking Plavix.

Directions

Follow the directions for using Plavix provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Store Plavix at room temperature, away from heat and light.

If you miss a dose of Plavix, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

If you are currently taking aspirin, consult your doctor promptly and ask if you should continue or stop taking aspirin with this medication for your specific condition (e.g., aspirin and clopidogrel may be used in combination after a coronary stent procedure). If you are not currently taking aspirin, consult your doctor before starting aspirin for any medical condition. Check the labels on all your medicines because they may contain pain relievers/fever reducers (nsaids such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin). Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products while taking clopidogrel.

Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist you are taking Plavix. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using Plavix. If you become ill, including a fever, contact your doctor. Avoid any sports that expose you to risk of serious injury. For women: it is unknown if Plavix is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Plavix.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include diarrhea or indigestion. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience sudden, severe, persistent headache; change in vision; rash; itching; nosebleeds; excessive bleeding from cuts; bleeding from gums when brushing teeth; increased menstrual bleeding; unexplained vaginal bleeding; unusual bruising; discoloration of urine or stool; black, tarry stools; sore throat or fever; weakness; speech problems; seizures; yellowing of the skin or eyes; or pale skin. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Additional information

Do not share Plavix with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use Plavix for other health conditions. Keep Plavix out of the reach of children. If using Plavix for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Plavix. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.