Plavix (Clopidogrel)

Plavix keeps blood platelets slippery and discourages formation of clots, thereby improving blood flow to your heart, brain, and body.

About

Generic name: Clopidogrel bisulfate Brand names: Plavix Plavix keeps blood platelets slippery and discourages formation of clots, thereby improving blood flow to your heart, brain, and body. The drug is prescribed to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and serious circulation problems in people with hardening of the arteries or unstable angina (dangerous chest pain), and in people who've already suffered a heart attack or stroke.

How to take

Take clopidogrel tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Missed dose

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

Warnings and precautions

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Do not stop taking clopidogrel except on your prescriber's advice. Ask your prescriber or health care professional before you take non-prescription pain relievers. Do not take aspirin, aspirin-containing products, or antiinflammatory drugs such as ibuproben (e.g, Motrin), ketoprofen (Orudis), naproxen (e.g., Aleve) unless directed to do so by your prescriber or health care professional. If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking clopidogrel.

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. * More common 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 respiratorytract infection, urinary tract infection

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.