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Clopidogrel Bisulfate

 

Clopidogrel Bisulfate (generic Plavix) Review

brand name: Plavix
generic names: Clopidogrel hydrogen sulphate, Clopidogrel

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.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• Pain in the muscles or joints
  
  
• Liver problems
  
  
• Hallucinations
  
  
• Confusion
  
  
• Taste disturbance
  
  
• Fever
  
  
• Balance problems involving the inner ear (vertigo)
  
  
• Skin reactions such as rash, itching
  
  
• Decrease in the number of a type of white blood cell (neutrophil) in the blood (neutropenia)
  
  
• Decrease in the number of platelets in the blood (thrombocytopenia)
  
  
• Pins and needles sensations (paraesthesia)
  
  
• Dizziness
  
  
• Headache
  
  
• Ulceration of the stomach or intestines
  
  
• Inflammation of the stomach (gastritis)
  
  
• Disturbances of the gut such as nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion, vomiting or abdominal pain
  
  
• Bruising
  
  
• Increased time taken to stop bleeding
  
  
• Bleeding, for example nosebleeds, blood in the urine, bleeding in the stomach or bowels. Very rarely, bleeding in the eye, lungs or joints.
  
  

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.

For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Most important fact about Clopidogrel (Plavix) bisulfate

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.

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.

What drug(s) may interact with Clopidogrel?

•aspirin
•blood thinners such as warfarin or enoxaparin
•antiinflammatory drugs such as NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen)
•cilostazol
•dipyridamole
•DHEA
•doxercalciferol
•feverfew
•fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) supplements
•garlic
•ginger
•ginkgo biloba
•horse chestnut
•fluvastatin
•phenytoin
•prasterone
•ramelteon
•tamoxifen
•ticlopidine
•tolbutamide
•torsemide

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your physician or health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.