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Plavix - clopidogrel belongs to the class of drugs called platelet aggregation inhibitors or antiplatelets. Clopidogrel is used to help prevent heart attacks, strokes and other circulation problems in people who have narrowed blood vessels caused by hardening of the arteries, condition known as atherosclerosis and have already experienced at least one atherothrombotic event such as heart attack, stroke or diagnosed peripheral arterial disease (problems with blood flow in the arteries). Plavix is also used for condition known as acute coronary syndrome.
Before you begin using Plavix, inform your doctor about any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding and any other significant facts about your health. All these factors may affect how you should use Plavix.
Bleeding problems: Plavix increases the risk of bleeding. Using Plavix together with other medications (warfarin, NSAIDs) may further increase the risk of bleeding. If you experience signs of serious or excessive bleeding (bleeding from rectum, easy bruising, bloody urine, dark stools, persistent abdominal pain and vomiting), while taking Plavix contact your health care provider immediately. Patients with a history of bleeding disorders should be monitored by doctor while taking Plavix.
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is a rare condition that may occur while taking Plavix and requires immediate medical attention. Signs include: reduced kidney function, decreased number of blood cells and fever. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking Plavix, seek immediate medical attention.
Liver or kidney problems: Patients with decreased kidney or liver function should discuss with their doctor how Plavix may affect their medical condition, how medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Plavix and whether any special monitoring is needed. Patients with severely reduced liver function should not take Plavix.
Planned surgery: Your doctor may want you to stop taking Plavix for a few days prior to any planned surgery to prevent any unnecessary bleeding, so it is important to tell any doctor that you are taking Plavix.
Stomach problems: Since Plavix can increase the risk of bleeding, it is important to remind your doctor if you have had stomach ulcers and have the doctor review your medications if they may cause stomach ulcers (NSAIDS such as ibuprofen, naproxen and others).
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Plavix should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Plavix, tell your doctor immediately. It is not known if clopidogrel passes into human breast milk, so if you are a breast-feeding mother and taking Plavix, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor if you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Plavix for children have not been established.
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