What is Clopidogrel (Generic Plavix)?
Clopidogrel is the generic medication of the commonly known brand Plavix marketed by Budget Generics. Generic Plavix belongs to the class of medications called platelet aggregation inhibitors or antiplatelet which is prescribed to prevent heart attacks, strokes and other circulation problems in people who have narrowed blood vessels caused by hardening of the artieries (atherosclerosis) or if you have been diagnosed peripheral arterial disease (problems with blood flow in the arteries).
Clopidogrel is also used with aspirin to treat patient with new / worsening chest pain (unstable angina, new heart attack) and to keep blood vessel open and prevent blood clots after certain procedures such as cardiac stent.
Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication. It blocks platelets from sticking together and prevents them from forming harmful clots. Blood flow is kept smoothly in your body by Clopidogrel.
Recommendations for use of Clopidogrel (Generic Plavix)
Clopidogrel (Generic Plavix) is mainly used for treatment of Acute Coronary Syndrome
Clopidogrel may be prescribed for the treatment and prevention of the following conditions:
Recent heart attack (Myocardial Infarction [MI]), Stroke, or Established Peripheral Arterial Disease
Coronary Artery Disease
Cardioembolic Stroke
Carotid Artery Stenting (Off-label)
Dosage and direction of taking Clopidogrel (Generic Plavix)
Ensure to read and understand the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using Clopidogrel. If there are any doubts ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take Clopidogrel orally as prescribed by your doctor with a full glass of water with or without food usually once a day.
Your dosage will be decided upon your medical condition, age, laboratory tests, your response to the medication and other medications that you are taking.
Take Clopidogrel exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take in doses which are either larger or for longer than what is recommended by your doctor.
After a stent implant or other procedures you can take Clopidogrel with aspirin for months to years to prevent blood clots. Your doctor needs to be consulted for more information.
Continue Clopidogrel even if you feel well. Check with your doctor before you stop this medication.
Avoid Grape fruit or grape fruit juice while you are taking Clopidogrel as it interacts with this medication and it increases the chance of side effects with clopidogrel.
In case you experience symptoms such as left arm/jaw/chest pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating, slurred speech, sudden vision changes, weakness on one side of the body and confusion get medical help immediately.
Missed Dose of Clopidogrel (Generic Plavix)
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time to take your next dose. Do not take an dose of medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose of Clopidogrel (Generic Plavix)
If you think you have taken more than the required dose contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
How does Clopidogrel (Generic Plavix) work?
Clopidogrel works by blocking platelets from sticking together and prevents them from forming harmful clots. It is an antiplatelet drug. It helps keep blood flowing smoothly in your body.
Precautions before taking Clopidogrel (Generic Plavix)
You should not take Clopidogrel if you are allergic to Clopidogrel or to similar medicines.
Before taking Clopidogrel, tell your doctor if you have:
any other medical conditions
any allergies to Pantoprazole or similar antiplatelet drugs (thienopyridineseg: prasugrel) or to any other allergies
bleeding conditions (bleeding in the brain/eye, stomach ulcers)
liver disease
bleeding disease (hemophilia)
recent surgery
serious injury/trauma
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Clopidogrel or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
Use sharp objects with razors and nail cutters with caution in order to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured. Contract sports too needs to be avoided.
If you are having surgery prior to your surgery, inform your doctor or the dentist of all the products (prescription, non- prescription medications, herbal products, vitamin and supplements) you are taking. If you are having surgery you will be advised to stop Clopidogrel for atleast 5 days before surgery by your doctor.
Stomach bleeding may occur with Clopidogrel. Risk of stomach bleeding may increase if you consume alcohol daily while you are taking Clopidogrel. Limit your alcohol consumption. Discuss with your doctor as to what is the safe quantity to drink.
Clopidogrel should only be used if it is absolutely necessary during pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor the risks and the benefits involved.
Consult your doctor before breast feeding as the effects of Clopidogrelon a nursing infant are unknown.
About other prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Taking Clopidogrel together with certain medicines or products may cause serious, life-threatening side effects.
Side Effects of Clopidogrel (Generic Plavix)
Your doctor prescribed this medicine after carefully analyzing the benefits over the risks involved. Most people do not experience any serious side effects.
diarrhea
constipation
easy bleeding/bruising
stomach upset / pain
Serious bleeding may occur in the stomach, eyes, gut and brain. A very serious blood disorder may rarely be caused. Anytime after the starting this medication side effects may appear. If any of these symptoms occur get medical assistamce right away;
bloody / tarry stools
severe stomach /abdominal pain
extreme skin paleness
fast heart beat
confusion
uncontrolled bleeding from the nose or gums
fever
purple skin patches
fainting
sudden severe headache
unusual weakness / tiredness
vomit with blood or that looks like coffee grounds
slurred speech
vision changes
seizures
yellowing skin/eyes
signs of kidney problems (change in the amount of urine)
pink/red/ bloody dark urine
A serious allergic reaction is extremely rare with Pantoprazole. In case you show the following symptoms get to the emergency clinic immediately.
itching
trouble breathing
swelling in the face, throat, tongue, throat
rash - itching
severe dizziness
The above list includes very serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation. These side effects are very rare. Tell your pharmacist or doctor if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed above may occur in some patients. Do not be alarmed by the lists of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions.
Interaction with Clopidogrel (Generic Plavix)
Inform your doctor about any medications that you are taking including prescription medications, over the counter medications, vitamins, supplements and herbal remedies. Do not start, stop and change the dosage of any medicine without your doctor's permission.
Some of the medications which may interact with Clopidogrel is
tipranavir
Removal of clopidogrel from the body can be affected by other medications, which may affect how Clopidogrel works. Some medications are
certain acid reducers (proton pump inhibitors) - esomeprazole, omeprazole
cimetidine
fluvoxamine
fluconazole
fluoxetine
ticlopidine
etravirine
voriconazole
felbamate
ketoconazole
Consult your doctor immediately if you are taking aspirin to find out if you are to continue or to stop taking it Clopidogrel for your specific condition (clopidogrel and aspirin may be prescribed in combination for some heart condition or after a coronary stent procedure). Currently if you are not taking aspirin consult your doctor first before starting it for any medical condition.
Clopidogrel can slow down the removal of other drugs from your body which may affect how they work. Examples of affected medications are repaglinide, dasabuviretc Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs eg: naproxen, ibuprofen), aspirin contain pain relievers/ fever reduces. If you take these medications while you are taking Clopidogrelyou may increase the risk of bleeding / antiplatelet effect. Check with your doctor about using these medications safely.
This list is not complete and there are many other medicines that can interact with Clopidogrel. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.
Storage of Clopidogrel (Generic Plavix)
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Store at 15°C - 30°C (59°F - 77°F); protect drug from excessive light, humidity, and temperature over 30°C (86°F)
Keep Clopidogrel tablets in the container that they came in and keep the container tightly closed.
Throw away capsules that are no longer needed or expired (out of date).
Medicines should not be disposed of via waste water or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. This will help to protect the environment.
Clopidogrel should not be used after the given expiration date.
Scientific Information about Clopidogrel or Generic Plavix
Formula: Clopidogrel | C16H16CINO2S
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