Plavix

Generic name: Clopidogrel

Clopidogrel tablets

What are clopidogrel tablets?

CLOPIDOGREL (Plavix®) helps to prevent blood clots. It reduces the chance of having a heart attack or a stroke in people who have already had a heart attack or a stroke. Clopidogrel can also decrease the chance of a heart attack or stroke in certain groups of people at high risk for these events. Generic clopidogrel tablets are not yet available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• bleeding disorder or hemophilia
• liver disease
• recent surgery or trauma
• stomach or intestinal ulcers
• an unusual or allergic reaction to clopidogrel, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take clopidogrel tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

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.

What side effects may I notice from taking clopidogrel?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

More common:

• black, tarry stools
• blood from vomiting
• blood in urine or stools
• nosebleed
• red or purple spots on the skin
• skin rash or itching
• stomach pain

Rare:

• difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat
• fever
• sudden weakness
• swelling of your face, lips, tongue, hands, or feet
• unusual bleeding or bruising, or pinpoint red spots on the skin
• unusual rash, allergic reaction, or hives
• unusually heavy menstrual bleeding

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea
• indigestion (heartburn)
• mild stomach upset

What should I watch for while taking clopidogrel?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Do not stop taking clopidogrel except on your prescriber's advice.

You may bleed more easily and it may take longer to stop bleeding when taking clopidogrel. Report any unusual bleeding to your prescriber.

Ask your prescriber or health care professional before you take non-prescription pain relievers. Do not take aspirin, aspirin-containing products, or antiinflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (e.g, Motrin), ketoprofen (Orudis®), naproxen (e.g., Aleve) unless directed to do so by your prescriber or health care professional.

If you are going to have surgery or dental work, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking clopidogrel.

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.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.