Brand name:
Plavix
Pronounced: PLA-vicks
Generic name:
Clopidogrel bisulfate
Why is Plavix prescribed?
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.
Most important fact about Plavix
Because Plavix slows clotting, it will take longer than usual to
stop bleeding. Be sure to report any unusual bleeding to your doctor
immediately, and tell any doctor or dentist planning a procedure
that you have been taking Plavix. You should discontinue the drug 5
days before any kind of surgery.
How should you take Plavix?
Plavix can be taken with or without food.
--If you miss a 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.
--Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature.
Plavix 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.
- 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
Why should Plavix not be prescribed?
Do not take Plavix if you have a bleeding stomach ulcer or
bleeding in the area around the brain. Also avoid Plavix if
it gives you an allergic reaction.
Special warnings about Plavix
If you've ever had a stomach ulcer or bleeding in the digestive
tract, make sure the doctor is aware of it; Plavix should be used
with caution. The drug should also be used carefully if you suffer
from problems inside the eyes, have bleeding problems due to severe
liver disease, or expect to be at risk of bleeding from any other
cause.
In extremely rare cases (about 4 in a million), a dangerous
bleeding problem called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura has been
known to develop in patients taking Plavix. Signs include fever and
bleeding under the skin. Call your doctor immediately if you develop
these symptoms.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Plavix
Plavix increases the clot-fighting effect of aspirin. The two
drugs are often taken together, and combined treatment has lasted
for up to one year.
If Plavix is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of
either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Ask your doctor
before starting any new drug; and be doubly careful before combining
Plavix with the following:
Aspirin
Fluvastatin (Lescol)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, Aleve,
Motrin, and Naprosyn
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)
Tolbutamide (Orinase)
Torsemide (Demadex)
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Plavix during pregnancy have not been adequately
studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your
doctor immediately. Use Plavix during pregnancy only if absolutely
necessary. Do not breastfeed while taking Plavix, since the drug may
appear in breast milk.
Recommended dosage for Plavix
ADULTS
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If
you suspect an overdose of Plavix, seek medical attention
immediately.
- Potential symptoms of Plavix overdose may include:
Difficulty breathing,
exhaustion,
stomach or intestinal bleeding,
vomiting
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