Plavix

clopidogrel

What is Clopidogrel?

Clopidogrel, also called Plavix is a drug that is used to enhance clotting of blood. It effectively reduces the chances of heart attack especially among people that have had strokes or heart attacks before. It may also reduce the probability of the attacks on individuals who are high risk of the same. There are no tablets of Clopidogrel that are generic in the market.

What to tell your doctor before taking Clopidogrel medication

Your doctor should be informed if you suffer from any or some of the following medical conditions:

• Liver diseases
• Hemophilia or bleeding disorders
• Allergy or unusual reaction to Clopidogrel and other consumable substances
• Trauma or a recent surgery
• Intestinal or stomach ulcers
• If you are pregnant or trying to conceive
• If you are still breastfeeding

How you should take Plavix

Plavix should be swallowed orally with a glass of water. Swallow the medication exactly as directed on the prescription label and avoid over consuming the drug.

In case Plavix is to be administered to children, then you should first contact a qualified doctor or pediatrician.

Interaction of Plavix with other drugs

Clopidogrel may interact with the following drugs;

• Enoxaparin, warfarin and other blood thinners
• Aspirin
• Dipyridamole
• Cilostazol
• Doxecalciferol
• Fish oil supplements
• Ginger
• Garlic
• Feverfew
• Ginkgo bilboa
• Fluvastatin
• Horse chestnut
• Prasterone
• Phenytoin
• Tamoxifen
• Ramelteon
• Torsemiede
• Tolbutamide
• Ticlopidine

You should inform your doctor or physician if you are on any other medication, even if they are non- prescription drugs. In case you frequently drink fluids that are rich in alcohol or caffeine, also inform your physician since these may affect the function of the drug. The same goes for smokers and users of illegal drugs. Before you start or stop any of the medicines, check with your doctor.

Signs to watch for while taking Plavix

You should visit your physician regularly for checks on progress and also do not stop consuming Plavix unless directed to do so by your prescriber.

There may be occurrence of easier bleeding and such bleeding may last longer that usual and you should inform your prescriber about abnormal bleeding.

Before taking any pain relievers that are non- prescription, you should consult with your physician. Do not consume any products that contain aspirin as well as any anti- inflammatories such as naproxen, ketoprophen (Orudis) and ibuprofen (Motrin) unless your physician directs you to do so.

In case you are due for dental work or surgery, you should inform your physician that you are on Plavix medication.

What are the possible side effects of Plavix?

There are a number of side effects of Plavix that should be reported to your physician as soon as they occur. They include;

Common side effects:

• Itching or skin rash
• Vomiting blood
• Tarry, black stools
• Blood traces in stools or urine
• Purple or red spots on skin
• Nose bleeding
• Stomach pains

Rare side effects:

• Sudden weaknesses
• Fever
• Tightening or hoarseness of the throat
• Difficulty swallowing and breathing
• Swelling of the lips, face, hands, feet or tongue
• Heavy and unusual menstrual bleeding
• Hives, allergies or unusual rash
• Red pinpoint spots on the surface of the skin
• Unusual bruising and bleeding

Often, the following side effects do not call for medical attention, but they should be reported if they continue to make you uncomfortable:

• Heartburn or indigestion
• Mild upsets of the stomach
• Diarrhea

Where to keep the medicine

Plavix should be kept where children cannot reach it in a container that they are not able to open. It should be stored under room temperature of 15-30°C (59-86°F) and any unused medications should be thrown away upon expiry.