| Generic Name:
Clopidogrel
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| Drug Class:
Platelet inhibitors
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| Description |
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Plavix® is used to prevent heart attacks and strokes in persons with heart disease (recent heart attack, unstable angina),
recent stroke, or blood circulation disease (peripheral vascular disease). It works by blocking certain blood cells called
platelets and prevents them from forming harmful blood clots. This "anti-platelet" effect helps to keep blood flowing smoothly
in your body.
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| Proper
Use |
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Take Plavix® by mouth usually once daily, with or without food, or as directed by your doctor.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day.
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| Side
Effects |
Stomach upset/pain, diarrhea, constipation, headache, dizziness, rash, flu-like symptoms, or back/joint pain may occur.
If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
While you are taking Plavix®, it may take longer for bleeding to stop if you experience a cut or injury. Although unlikely,
tell your doctor immediately if any of these signs of serious bleeding occur: unusual or easy bruising/bleeding, black stools,
vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: chest pain, swelling, depression.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: signs of infection (e.g.,
fever, persistent sore throat), unusual weakness, vision changes, slurred speech, confusion.
A serious allergic reaction to Plavix® is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious
allergic reaction include: severe rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
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| Precautions |
Before taking Plavix®, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using Plavix®, consult your doctor or
pharmacist if you have: blood disorders (e.g., hemophilia), bleeding conditions (e.g., active peptic ulcers).
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: recent surgery, serious injury
(physical trauma), severe liver disease, severe kidney disease, history of abnormal bleeding, other conditions that may put you at
high risk for bleeding (e.g., certain stomach/abdominal problems, certain eye diseases).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Plavix®. Your doctor may instruct you to stop
clopidogrel prior to surgery.
Plavix® may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
Limit alcoholic beverages. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach
bleeding.
Plavix® should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your
doctor before breast-feeding.
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| Drug
Interactions |
If you are currently taking aspirin, consult your doctor promptly and ask whether to continue or stop taking it with Plavix®
for your specific condition (e.g., aspirin and clopidogrel may be used in combination after a coronary stent
procedure, or for some heart conditions). If you are not currently taking aspirin, consult your doctor before starting it
for any medical condition.
Before using Plavix®, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use,
especially of: atorvastatin, "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin, heparin).
Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many contain pain relievers/fever reducers
(nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin) which can increase the risk of
bleeding/anti-platelet effect when used with Plavix®. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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| Overdose |
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If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the
US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
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| Missed
Dose |
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If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume
your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
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| Storage |
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Store the US product at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between
59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted.
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| Disclaimer |
| The above
information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed
to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate,
or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional
before using this drug. |
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