General Info: Uses and Effects

Plavix Generic (Clopidogrel) is recommended for the prevention of heart attacks or strokes in people with recent stroke, recent heart attack, or blood circulation disease. It is also sometimes recommended with Aspirin for the treatment of worsening or new chest pain (unstable angina new or heart attack). The drug is also prescribed to keep blood vessels open and to avoid blood clots after some procedures (i.e. cardiac stent).

Plavix Clopidogrel functions by blocking some blood cells, known as platelets, and averts them from developing damaging blood clots. This effect helps maintain blood flow throughout the body.

Contraindication: Important to Know

Before using Plavix Clopidogrel, inform your doctor if you are allergic to it or to other thienopyridines medications such as Prasugrel. You should also inform your physician if you have any other allergies. This medication may have other inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions. You should therefore discuss all possible allergic reactions with your doctor before you start your treatment. Before you start using this drug, inform your healthcare provider about your medical history, especially if you have ever had bleeding conditions (including the eye or the brain) serious trauma/injury, recent surgery, bleeding disease (including haemophilia), or liver disease. While using the medication, bleeding might take longer to stop if you have an injury or a cut. Therefore, exercise caution when using sharp objects such as nail cutters or razors. You should also avoid physical activities like contact sports to reduce your chances of getting bruised, injured, or cut. Inform your doctor of all products you are using, including prescription and non prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbs. Before you undergo surgery, let the surgeon know that you are taking Clopidogrel.

Do not stop your usage of the medication without approval from your doctor. Also, limit your alcohol consumption because regular consumption of alcohol while taking Plavix Clopidogrel can increase your risk of stomach bleeding. The medication should only be used in pregnant women if it is absolutely necessary. You should also consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Instructions on Taking

It is important that you read the patient information guide given to you by your physician before you commence your treatment with Clopidogrel. In case you have any question, ask your doctor and be clear on everything that you are expected to do while taking the medication. The drug should be taken orally with/ without food as prescribed by your doctor. The medicine is usually recommended to be taken once daily. To get the full benefits of Plavix Generic, it is advisable that you stick to the prescription by your doctor. Your duration of the treatment and the dosage is dependent on your response to the treatment and your medical condition. To ensure you remember to take your medication regularly, it is advised that you take it at the same time every day.

If you are using the drug to prevent blood clots after a procedure such as stent implant, use this medicament with Aspirin for several months or years after the therapy as recommended by your physician. Do not stop the medication without the approval of your doctor. You should discuss the possible risks of discontinuing the medication. It is crucial that you continue using the medicine even if you feel better. Call for medical help immediately if you develop signs that show the drug is not working. Such symptoms include stroke (shortness of breath, pain in the chest, left arm, or jaw, unusual sweating, slurred speech, confusion, sudden vision changes, weakness on a side of the body), or new heart attack.

Dosage

Plavix Clopidogrel comes in 75mg and 300mg. Your doctor will usually start you off with a dosage of 75mg daily for a period of 14 days. Depending on your response to the treatment or severity of your health condition, the doses can be increase to 300mg per day.

Side Effects

First, remember that your physician has prescribed Plavix Clopidogrel for you because he/she believed that the health benefits greatly outweigh the risk of possible side effects. Also note that there are many patients using the drug who do not experience any serious side effects. Some of the possible side effects you can have while using the medication include easy bruising/bleeding, stomach pain/upset, and constipation. If any of these side effects worsen or persist, inform your physician immediately. Some rare adverse effects of the medication include severe bleeding in the eyes, gut, stomach, or brain. The medicine can also cause a rare but severe blood disorder, known as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Symptoms of the side effects can occur any time after commencing your treatment with the drug. Call for urgent medical help if you develop any of the following symptoms: severe abdominal/stomach pain, fever, black/bloody stools, uncontrolled bleeding from nose or gum, purple skin patches, extreme skin paleness, vision changes, yellowing skin/eyes, fast heartbeat, sudden severe headache, vomit with blood or something that looks like coffee grounds, slurred speech, seizure, bloody/pink/dark/red urine, or change in the quantity of urine.

A severe allergic reaction to this medication is rare but not impossible. Therefore, call for urgent medical help if you notice symptoms of serious allergic reactions, such as trouble breathing, severe rash, severe dizziness, and swelling/itching of the face, throat, or tongue.

Please note that this is not a full list of possible adverse effects. If you notice any other adverse effects other than what is listed here, call your doctor immediately.

Interaction with Other Drugs

Drug interactions can alter how the medication works or increase the risk of developing severe side effects. It is important to note that the list of drug interaction mentioned here is not exhaustive. You should therefore inform your doctor about all medications you are using or have stopped using recently, before you commence your treatment with Plavix Clopidogrel. Do not stop using your medication without the approval of your doctor. Some drugs that can interact with Plavix include Tipranavir, SSRIs (Citalopram, Paroxetine), antidepressants (Clomipramine, Amitriptyline). Others include Fluvoxamine, Omeprazole, Fluoxetine, Fluconazole, Cimetidine, Esomeprazole, Ketoconazole, Felbamate, Ticlopidine, Voriconazole, and Etravirine.