Plavix

Drug Uses

 

Plavix is a platelet aggregation inhibitor that is used to prevent strokes and heart attack. It is much more effective than aspirin in preventing heart attacks and has less severe side effects too. (Reduced risk of stomach or intestinal bleeding)

How it is taken

Plavix can be taken by mouth with or without food to avoid an upset stomach. Take the drug with a full glass of water. The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor. If you are unsure about using it, then contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Plavix is a platelet aggregation inhibitor that works by preventing platelets from sticking to the wall of blood vessels. This prevents clots from forming in the blood vessels thereby preventing heart attack and stroke.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Plavix then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.
 

Warnings/Precautions

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances.

You must not take aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, others), naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), ketoprofen (Orudis, Orudis KT, Oruvail), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) without consulting your doctor, if you are taking Plavix.

It reduces the blood clotting ability of the body and hence, you must maintain utmost caution and avoid activities which might get you injured, bruised or bleed.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Plavix and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether Plavix is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.
 

Possible Side Effects

Other severe side effects include an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);bloody (or black) vomit or stools; severe headache, confusion, or dizziness; unexplained bruising or bleeding; or bleeding nose. You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take clopidogrel and talk to your doctor if you experience upset stomach; diarrhea or constipation; or headache or dizziness.

In extremely rare cases, Plavix is also known to cause a condition called as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). This is a serious condition in which blood clots form throughout the body. All the platelets are consumed in these clots and there are none left to allow the blood to clot normally. It leads to bleeding.