Plavix

Generic name: Clopidogrel
Drug class: Platelet aggregation inhibitors

Usage of Plavix

Plavix prevents platelets in your blood from sticking together to form an unwanted blood clot that could block an artery.

Plavix is used to lower your risk of having a stroke, blood clot, or serious heart problem after you've had a heart attack, severe chest pain (angina), or circulation problems.

Plavix may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Plavix side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Plavix: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Plavix increases your risk of bleeding, which can be severe or life-threatening. Call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have bleeding that will not stop, if you have blood in your urine, black or bloody stools, or if you cough up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

  • nosebleeds, pale skin, easy bruising, purple spots under your skin or in your mouth;
  • jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes);
  • fast heartbeats, shortness of breath;
  • headache, fever, weakness, feeling tired;
  • little or no urination;
  • a seizure;
  • low blood sugar - headache, hunger, sweating, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, and feeling anxious or shaky; or
  • signs of a blood clot - sudden numbness or weakness, confusion, problems with vision or speech.

    • Common Plavix side effects may include:

  • bleeding.

    • This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

    Before taking Plavix

    You should not use Plavix if you are allergic to clopidogrel, or if you have:

  • any active bleeding; or
  • a stomach ulcer or bleeding in the brain (such as from a head injury).

    • Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • an ulcer in your stomach or intestines; or
  • a bleeding disorder or blood clotting disorder.

    • Plavix may not work as well if you have certain genetic factors that affect the breakdown of this medicine in your body. Your doctor may perform a blood test to make sure Plavix is right for you.

    This medicine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

    You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.

    Relate drugs

    How to use Plavix

    Usual Adult Dose for Acute Coronary Syndrome:

    Unstable Angina (UA)/Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI): -Loading dose: 300 mg orally once -Maintenance dose: 75 mg orally once a day -Duration of therapy: Optimal duration unknown. ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI): -Loading dose: 300 mg orally once (OPTIONAL) -Maintenance dose: 75 mg orally once a day, with or without thrombolytics -Duration of therapy: Optimal duration unknown. Comments: -Administer this drug in combination with aspirin 75 mg to 325 mg orally once a day. -The benefit of this drug for patients who undergo primary percutaneous coronary intervention is unknown. Uses: Prevention of atherothrombotic events in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (UA, NSTEMI, those who are to be managed medically, those who are to be managed with coronary revascularization) and STEMI.

    Usual Adult Dose for Ischemic Stroke:

    75 mg orally once a day Uses: Prevention of atherothrombotic events in patients with a history of recent myocardial infarction, recent stroke, or established peripheral arterial disease.

    Usual Adult Dose for Myocardial Infarction:

    75 mg orally once a day Uses: Prevention of atherothrombotic events in patients with a history of recent myocardial infarction, recent stroke, or established peripheral arterial disease.

    Usual Adult Dose for Peripheral Arterial Disease:

    75 mg orally once a day Uses: Prevention of atherothrombotic events in patients with a history of recent myocardial infarction, recent stroke, or established peripheral arterial disease.

    Warnings

    Plavix keeps your blood from coagulating (clotting) to prevent unwanted blood clots that can occur with certain heart or blood vessel conditions. Because of this drug action, Plavix can make it easier for you to bleed, even from a minor injury.

    You should not use this medicine if you have any active bleeding such as a stomach ulcer or bleeding in the brain.

    Plavix increases your risk of bleeding, which can be severe or life-threatening. Call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have bleeding that will not stop, if you have blood in your urine, black or bloody stools, or if you cough up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

    Do not stop taking this medicine without first talking to your doctor, even if you have signs of bleeding. Stopping clopidogrel may increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

    If you need surgery or dental work, tell the surgeon or dentist ahead of time that you take Plavix.

    What other drugs will affect Plavix

    Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

    Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

  • a stomach acid reducer such as omeprazole, Nexium, or Prilosec;
  • an antidepressant such as citalopram, fluoxetine, sertraline, Cymbalta, Effexor, Lexapro, Pristiq, or Prozac;
  • rifampin;
  • a blood thinner - warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven; or
  • NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) - aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

    • This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with clopidogrel, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

    Disclaimer

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