What is Plavix?
Plavix stops the blood platelets from forming a clot, which can cause blockage of an arterial Plavix helps lower the risk of suffering a stroke or blood clot, having a heart attack after a heart attack, and experiencing extreme discomfort in your chest (angina) or circulatory problems. Plavix is also employed for other purposes that are not covered in this guideline.
Warnings
Plavix stops your blood from getting coagulated (clotting) to avoid blood clots in the body that could develop in certain blood vessel conditions. Because of this effect, Plavix can make it easy for you to get bleeding, even if you suffer a minor injury.
This medication is used if you suffer from bleeding that is active, such as a stomach ulcer or bleeding within the brain. Plavix raises the risk of bleeding, which can be very serious or even life-threatening. Call your doctor or seek medical attention in an emergency in the event of bleeding that isn't stopping, if there is bleeding in the urine or bloody or black stool, or if you throw up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Stop taking the medication without consulting your physician, even if you show indications of bleeding. Stopping clopidogrel may increase the chance of suffering a stroke or heart attack. If you are in need of an operation or dental procedure, inform the dentist or surgeon prior to the time you are taking Plavix.
Before you take this drug
You shouldn't take Plavix in the event that you are allergic to clopidogrel. Also, you are:
- Any bleeding that is active;
- A stomach ulcer and bleeding within the cerebral area (such as from a brain injury, for example, a head trauma)
Speak to your doctor if you have ever suffered from:
- An ulcer in your stomach or in your intestines
- A bleeding disorder or blood clotting disorder.
Plavix might not function in the same way if you suffer from certain genetic issues that can affect the breakdown of this medication within your body. Your doctor might conduct a blood test to determine if Plavix is the right choice for you. The medicine is not intended to harm the unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are expecting. It is not recommended to breastfeed while taking this medicine.
How to take Plavix?
You should take Plavix exactly as directed by your physician. Follow the directions on your prescription label, and go through all medication guides and instructions. Follow these medications exactly as prescribed.
Plavix is a medicine that can be taken either with or without food. Plavix can be taken along with aspirin. Only take aspirin when your physician tells you to. Plavix stops your blood from getting coagulated (clotting) and may cause bleeding in the event of small injuries. Consult your physician or seek medical attention in an emergency in the event of bleeding that isn't stopping.
It may be necessary to stop taking this medicine for a short period of time prior to any medical procedure, surgery, or dental work. Any doctor who cares for you must know that you're taking this medication. Do not discontinue taking Plavix without consulting your physician, even if you show indications of bleeding. Stopping the medicine can increase the chances of having a stroke or heart attack. Keep it at room temperature, free of heat and moisture.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Acute Coronary Syndrome:
Unstable Angina (UA)/Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI):
Dose for loading 300 mg orally, once
Dose for maintenance: 75 mg, orally at least once per day.
Therapy duration: The optimal duration is not determined.
ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI):
Dosage for loading 300 mg, orally once (optional)
Maintenance dosage: 75 mg taken daily, orally, either with or without thrombolytics.
Therapy duration: The optimal duration is not determined.
Comments:
Use this medication with aspirin, from 75 mg up to 325 mg, orally at least once per day.
The benefits of this medication for patients who are undergoing primary percutaneous coronary interventions are not known.
Applications: Prevention of atherothrombotic events in patients with non-ST segment elevated acute coronary syndrome (UA, NSTEMI, those that are managed medically, or being treated with cardiovascular treatment with revascularization) or STEMI.
Usual Adult Dose for Ischemic Stroke:
75 mg taken orally every day
Uses: To prevent atherothrombotic complications in patients who have had an underlying history of myocardial infarction, a recent stroke, or chronic peripheral arterial disease.
Usual Adult Dose for Myocardial Infarction:
75 mg taken orally every day
Uses: Preventing atherothrombotic complications in patients who have had a history of recent myocardial infarction, a recent stroke, or established coronary artery disease.
Usual Adult Dose for Peripheral Arterial Disease:
75 mg taken orally every day
Uses: To prevent atherothrombotic events for patients who have had a history of myocardial infarction that has occurred recently, stroke, or a history of established peripheral arterial conditions.
Do I be concerned if I miss a dose?
You should take the medication as quickly as you can. However, avoid your missed dosage if it's close to the time of the next dose. Don't take two doses at a time.
What will happen if I take excessively?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. The overdose could cause bleeding to become excessive.
What should be avoided?
Avoid alcohol. It increases the chance of bleeding from your stomach. Avoid activities that increase the chances of sustaining injuries or bleeding. Make sure you take extra precautions to prevent bleeding during shaving or brushing your teeth. If you take aspirin, you should: Consult a physician or pharmacist prior to using any medications for fever, pain, swelling, or cold or flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients that are similar to aspirin (such as salicylates, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen). Combining these ingredients increases the chance of bleeding.
Side effects of Plavix
Take immediate medical attention. If you exhibit symptoms that you are experiencing an allergic reaction, Plavix: hives, breathing difficulties, or swelling of your lips, face, or tongue
Plavix raises the chance of bleeding, which can be very serious or even life-threatening. Call your doctor or seek urgent medical attention when you experience bleeding that won't stop, if you notice bleeding in the urine or bloody or black stool, or if you throw up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Contact your doctor at anytime if you suffer from:
- Nosebleeds, pale skin, easy bruising, spots of purple under your skin, or around your mouth;
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin);
- Quick heartbeats, rapid breathing,
- Headache and fever fatigue; headache;
- Minimal or no urination
- A seizure;
- Low blood sugar, headache, hunger, sweating, irritability, high heart rate, dizziness, and feeling anxious or shakey
- symptoms of blood clots that cause sudden numbness or difficulty in concentrating, weakness, or issues in speech or vision.
This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Other side effects could be present. Contact your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drugs
Sometimes, it's not recommended to use certain drugs at the same time. Some drugs can alter the blood levels and the other medications that you take, which can create side effects or render the medication less effective.
Discuss with your doctor all other medicines you take, including:
- A stomach acid-reducing agent like Omeprazole, Nexium, or Prilosec;
- An antidepressant, such as sertraline, fluoxetine, citalopram, Cymbalta, Effexor, Lexapro, Pristiq, or Prozac;
- rifampin;
- Is a blood thinner—warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven, or
- These are NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.
This list is not comprehensive. Other drugs can interact with clopidogrel. This includes medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. There are many possible interactions between drugs. are listed here.
