Plavix

Generic Name: clopidogrel (kloe PID oh grel)
Brand Name: Plavix

What is Plavix?

Plavix (clopidogrel) keeps the platelets in your blood from coagulating (clotting) to prevent unwanted blood clots that can occur with certain heart or blood vessel conditions.

Plavix is used to prevent blood clots after a recent heart attack or stroke, and in people with certain disorders of the heart or blood vessels.

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

Important information about Plavix

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.

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Call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have bleeding that will not stop. You may also have bleeding on the inside of your body, such as in your stomach or intestines. Call your doctor at once if you have black or bloody stools, or if you cough up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. These could be signs of bleeding in your digestive tract.

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use to prevent blood clots.

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

Before taking Plavix

Do not use Plavix if you are allergic to clopidogrel, or if you have any active bleeding such as a stomach ulcer or bleeding in the brain (such as from a head injury).

To make sure Plavix is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, such as TTP (thrombocytopenic purpura) or hemophilia;

• a history of stroke, including TIA ("mini-stroke");

• a stomach ulcer or ulcerative colitis; or

• kidney disease.

FDA pregnancy category B. Plavix is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

See also: Plavix pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

It is not known whether clopidogrel passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How should I take Plavix?

Take Plavix exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take this medication with a full glass of water.

Plavix can be taken with or without food.

Because Plavix keeps your blood from clotting, it can also make it easier for you to bleed, even from a minor injury. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have bleeding that will not stop.

If you need surgery or dental work, tell the surgeon or dentist ahead of time that you are using Plavix. You may need to stop using the medicine for at least 5 days before having surgery, to prevent excessive bleeding. Follow your doctor's instructions and start taking Plavix again as soon as possible.

Do not stop using Plavix without first talking to your doctor. Use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

While using Plavix, you may need frequent blood tests at your doctor's office.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

See also: Plavix dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Plavix?

Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use extra care to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of bleeding in your stomach or intestines.

Plavix side effects

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

Stop using Plavix and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• nosebleed or other bleeding that will not stop;

• bloody or tarry stools, blood in your urine;

• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;

• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;

• sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;

• pale skin, weakness, fever, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

• easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin.

Common Plavix side effects may include itching.

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.

See also: Plavix side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Plavix?

Certain other medicines may increase your risk of bleeding. Tell your doctor if you take aspirin, especially if you have had a stroke. Talk to your doctor about whether you should take aspirin with Plavix. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug), including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use to prevent blood clots, such as:

• abciximab, eptifibatide, tirofiban;

• dalteparin, enoxaparin, tinzaparin;

• fondaparinux, ticlopidine;

• heparin, warfarin, Coumadin; or

• urokinase (Abbokinase).

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Plavix, especially:

• armodafinil or modafinil;

• fluoxetine or fluvoxamine;

• gemfibrozil;

• isoniazid;

• a cancer medication--dasatinib, letrozole, ibritumomab, or tositumomab;

• certain stomach acid reducers--cimetidine, esomeprazole, omeprazole;

• antifungal medication--fluconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole;

• HIV medication--delavirdine, efavirenz, etravirine, tipranavir; or

• seizure medication such as felbamate (Felbatol) or oxcarbazepine (Trileptal).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with Plavix, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about Plavix.