Plavix is used to reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack. It works
by preventing excessive blood clotting.
Clopidogrel
bisulfate is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor
or pharmacist for more information.
How
should Plavix be used?
Plavix comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken
once a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully,
and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Take Plavix exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or
take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Continue
to take clopidogrel even if you feel well. Do not stop taking clopidogrel
without talking to your doctor. Plavix : Full
Prescribing Information
--
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Plavix or
any other drugs.
-- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants ('blood thinners')
such as warfarin (Coumadin); aspirin; fluvastatin (Lescol); ibuprofen
(Advil, Motrin); medications for arthritis, pain, or headaches;
naproxen (Naprosyn); phenytoin (Dilantin); tamoxifen (Nolvadex);
ticlopidine (Ticlid); tolbutamide (Orinase); torsemide (Demadex);
and vitamins.
-- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver or kidney
disease; any stomach problems, ulcers; any other gastrointestinal
disease; or any bleeding or blood disorders.
-- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant,
or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Plavix,
call your doctor.
-- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the
doctor or dentist that you are taking Clopidogrel bisulfate.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it
is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue
your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make
up for a missed one.
What
side effects can Plavix cause?
Although side effects from Clopidogrel bisulfate
are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these
symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- upset
stomach
- fatigue, muscle aches (flu-like symptoms)
- stomach pain
- headache
- diarrhea
- constipation
- rash or purple areas on skin
If
you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- chest
pain
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- bloody vomit
- dark urine
- bloody diarrhea or black, tarry stools
- fever
- confusion or coma
- yellowness of the skin or eyes
- blood in the urine What storage conditions are needed for Plavix?
Keep Clopidogrel bisulfate in the container
it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store
it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not
in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or
no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal
of your medication.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your response to
Plavix.
Plavix
prevents blood from clotting so it may take longer than usual for
you to stop bleeding if you are cut or injured. Avoid activities
that have a high risk of causing injury. Call your doctor if bleeding
is unusual.
Do
not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any
questions you have about refilling your prescription.