PLAVIX

Who is Plavix for ?

Clopidogrel is used to reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack. this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Clopidogrel works by preventing excessive blood clotting. It blocks a specific receptor, which in turn prevents fibrinogen from binding at those receptors. Fibrinogen is needed for a clot to form, and if it is not bound to its receptor, there is a decreased chance for clots to form in that area.

When should I be careful taking Plavix ?

Before taking clopidogrel,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to clopidogrel or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin); aspirin; fluvastatin (Lescol); ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin); medications for arthritis, pain, or headaches; naproxen (Naprosyn); phenytoin (Dilantin); tamoxifen (Nolvadex); ticlopidine (Ticlid); tolbutamide (Orinase); torsemide (Demadex); and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease; any stomach problems, ulcers; any other gastrointestinal disease; or any bleeding or blood disorders.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking clopidogrel, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking clopidogrel.

Side Effects

Although side effects from clopidogrel are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• upset stomach
• fatigue, muscle aches (flu-like symptoms)
• stomach pain
• headache
• diarrhea
• constipation
• rash or purple areas on skin

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• chest pain
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• bloody vomit
• dark urine
• bloody diarrhea or black, tarry stools