Plavix Tablets
Chemical
Name: CLOPIDOGREL (kloe-PIH-doe-grell)
Common Plavix uses
This
medicine is an antiplatelet agent used to reduce
the risk of stroke or heart attack in patients
with atherosclerosis. It may also be used to
treat other conditions as determined by your
doctor.
Before using Plavix
Some
medicines or medical conditions may interact
with this medicine. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF
YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are
taking medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen (NSAIDs),
warfarin, heparin, phenytoin, tamoxifen,
tolbutamide, torsemide, and fluvastatin. INFORM
YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription
and over-the-counter medicine that you are
taking. Inform your doctor of any other medical
conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or
breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT
RECOMMENDED if you have gastrointestinal
bleeding or a history of clotting disorders or
ulcers. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you
have any questions or concerns about taking this
medicine.
Plavix Directions
Follow
the directions for using this medicine provided
by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an
empty stomach or with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE
at room temperature, away from heat and light.
IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as
soon as possible. If it is almost time for your
next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to
your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2
doses at once.
Plavix Cautions
If you
are currently taking aspirin, consult your
doctor promptly and ask if you should continue
or stop taking aspirin with this medication for
your specific condition (e.g., aspirin and
clopidogrel may be used in combination after a
coronary stent procedure). If you are not
currently taking aspirin, consult your doctor
before starting aspirin for any medical
condition. Check the labels on all your
medicines because they may contain pain
relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs such as
ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin). Ask your
pharmacist about the safe use of those products
while taking clopidogrel. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY
MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR
SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist you are
taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING
ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or
over-the-counter, check with your doctor or
pharmacist. Keep all doctor and laboratory
appointments while you are using this medicine.
IF YOU BECOME ILL, including a fever, contact
your doctor. AVOID ANY SPORTS that expose you to
risk of serious injury. FOR WOMEN: IT IS UNKNOWN
IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO
NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
Possible side effects of Plavix
SIDE
EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment,
include diarrhea or indigestion. CONTACT YOUR
DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience sudden,
severe, persistent headache; change in vision;
rash; itching; nosebleeds; excessive bleeding
from cuts; bleeding from gums when brushing
teeth; increased menstrual bleeding; unexplained
vaginal bleeding; unusual bruising;
discoloration of urine or stool; black, tarry
stools; sore throat or fever; weakness; speech
problems; seizures; yellowing of the skin or
eyes; or pale skin. If you notice other effects
not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or
pharmacist.
Drug interactions
Drug
interactions can result in unwanted side effects
or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use
our drug interaction checker to find out if your
medicines interact with each other.
Check drug interactions
If you take too much Plavix
If
overdose is suspected, contact your local poison
control center or emergency room immediately.
Additional Plavix information
DO NOT
SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was
not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for
other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out
of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE
FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills
before your supply runs out.
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