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Platelet inhibitors such as Plavix act to prevent blood clots from forming by keeping certain cells from clumping together. They will not break up existing blood clots, and should not be used by individuals with bleeding problems like hemophillia or ulcers.

Plavix is used to reduce the risk of future heart attack and stroke in atherosclerosis for individuals who've already had a stroke or were diagnosed with peripheral artery disease. It may also be used in conjunction with aspirin to treat unstable angina, again, reducing the risk of death from heart attack or stroke.

Plavix is only available by prescription. Use of this treatment should be continued under physician supervision, and not discontinued until your doctor feels it's necessary.

Plavix Side Effects

If you experience unusual bleeding while using Plavix, speak to your doctor immediately. If the problem is severe, seek emergency treatment. Always inform medical personnel that you are using this medication. Carry a card or MedicAlert jewelry so that emergency personnel will know what you're using even if you're unconscious.

Common Side Effects: Aching muscles, dizziness, headache, heartburn, loss of appetite, mild stomach pain or cramping. If these side effects occur, they will usually be mild and go away over the course of treatment. If they persist or are bothersome, speak to your doctor.

Less Common Side Effects: Anxiety, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, insomnia, itching or rash, leg cramps, depression, numbness or tingling, nausea or vomiting, weakness. If these side effects occur, they will usually be mild and go away over the course of treatment. If they persist or are bothersome, speak to your doctor.

Infrequent to Rare Side Effects: Abnormal bleeding or bruising, chest pain, chills, cough or hoarseness, dark urine, difficult urination, difficulty breathing, fainting, fever, frequent urination, lower back pain, nosebleed, painful urination, skin problems (blisters, hives, itching, rash, red or purple spots), sores or white spots in mouth, sudden weakness, swollen extremities, yellow eyes or skin (jaundice, liver damage that may indicate low-level liver disease). Contact your doctor as soon as possible if any of these effects occur, seek medical treatment if they are severe.

Internal Bleeding: Abdominal pain or swelling (severe), black or gray stools, bleeding in eyes, blood in urine (severe), bloody or black vomit, bloody stools, blurry vision, chest pain, confusion, constipation, coughing up blood, decreased appetite, dizziness or fainting, headache (severe or unusually long-lasting), joint pain or swelling (unusual), nausea and vomiting (severe), nervousness, numbness or tingling in face or extremities, paralysis, shortness of breath, sudden and severe diarrhea, sudden weakness, unusual back pain. Any of these symptoms (particularly if you have no prior history of the condition, or if an existing symptom suddenly worsens) indicate that you should seek immediate treatment, perhaps emergency treatment. These conditions are rare with Plavix treatment, but are possible and should be watched for.

Cautions: This prescription medication may not be suitable for everyone. If you have any of the following conditions, or a history of them, fully discuss treatment options with your doctor.

• Allergies: If you have an allergic reaction to Plavix, you will have to discontinue use and will not be able to use it in the future.
• Bleeding Disorder: Consult your physician and evaluate all available options.
• Blood Disorders or Diseases: This medication may be unsuitable for you, speak with your doctor.
• Bruising, Excessive: Risk of additional bleeding and slow healing.
• Falls, Blows, or Head Injuries: Have your doctor verify that you are fully recovered before using this medication.
• High Blood Pressure: Speak to your doctor, this treatment may decrease the effectiveness of your medication..
• Liver Impairment: Doses may need to be lowered.
• Low Blood Platelets: Speak to your doctor.
• Other Medications: Speak to your doctor concerning any and all prescription or over the counter treatments you use, particularly other anticoagulants and pain medication.
• Pregnant, Planning to Become Pregnant, or Recently Given Birth : This medication should be used during pregnancy only on the advice of your physician. It may be dangerous to use this treatment soon after the birth of a child.
• Surgery on Dental Work: Consult your doctor, and discuss it with your surgeon or dentist. This treatment is generally stopped a full week before major surgery.
• Ulcer (Colon, Lung, or Stomach): Do not use if you have active ulcers of any type.
• Unhealed Wounds or Surgical Incisions: Increased risk of bleeding, may slow healing.

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While you are using Plavix (clopidogrel), do not take any medication without your doctor's consent. Over the counter and prescription treatments alike may cause problems. If you take, or plan to take, any of the following, discuss options and risks with your doctor.

• Accolate (zafirlukast) - May increase blood levels of Plavix.
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) - Increased risk of stomach ulcer, GI bleeding.
• Alcohol - Limit to one drink daily. If your liver is damaged due to heavy drinking, your doctor may suggest a lower dose. Increased risk of stomach bleeding if alcohol taken simultaneously with medication.
• Anti-seizure medication like Cerebyx (fosphenytoin) or Dilantin (phenytoin) may have their effectiveness altered when used with clopidogrel, along with increasing the risk of bleeding. Frequent blood checks and dosage adjustments may be necessary.
• Aspirin (salicylic acid) or other salicylates - Increased risk of bleeding, though the combination may still be beneficial for some cardiac patients.
• Corticosteroids & cortisone treatments - Increased risk of stomach ulcers.
• Cox II inhibitors like Celebrex (celecoxib) and Vioxx (rofecoxib) increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Coumadin (warfarin) and other anti-coagulants - Increased risk of bleeding, increased INR testing recommended.
• Demadex (torsemide) - The effects of this medication may be increased when used with Plavix.
• Fosamax (alendroate) - Increased chance of diarrhea, stomach upset.
• Heparin - Increased bleeding risk.
• High blood pressure (hypertension treatments) - Plavix may reduce their effectiveness.
• HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) - Drugs like Lescol (fluvastatin), Lipitor (atorvastatin), Mevacor (lovastatin), Pravachol (pravastatin), or Zocor (simvastatin) may have their effects increased.
• Integrilin (eptifibatide) - Increased risk of bleeding.
• Nolvadex (tamoxifen) - May build up to toxic levels when combined with Plavix.
• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories, or NSAIDs, such as Butazolidine (phenylbutazone), Clinoril (sulindac), Ibuprofen (Motrin), Indocin (indomethacin), Naprosyn (naproxen), Toradol (ketorolac), and others may increase risk of gastrointestinal bleeding or stomach irritation.
• Orinase (tolbutamide) - Orinase toxicity may occur.
• Pain medication - Any non-narcotic pain treatment will increase the risk of bleeding. Narcotic analgesics are safe to use by themselves, but many of them are prescribed as combination products with ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Consult your doctor about pain treatment options.

Plavix is available in 75 mg tablets, with a usual dose of one tablet daily. The tablets are round, pink, and stamped with "75" on one side, "1171" on the other side. Speak to your doctor if you have any food or dye allegies.

Plavix Directions

Always inform medical personnel that you are using Plavix. Carry a card or MedicAlert jewelry so that emergency personnel will know even if you become unconscious. Inform your pharmacist, dentist, and any other doctors you see.

Speak to your doctor immediately if you experience any unusual bleeding.

You take care to avoid injury while using this medication. Avoid cutting yourself, shaving with a razor, or using a hard toothbrush. Avoid contact sports or other high risk activities, and report any falls or blows (especially head injuries) to your doctor. Serious internal bleeding could occur without your knowledge.

Minimize alcohol consumption, as heavy drinking may increase the risk of bleeding. Have no more than one or two drinks per occasion, and avoid drinking daily.

Plavix should be stopped only under the guidance of your physician. It will take some time after you stop using it for your blood's clotting ability to return to normal, so continue to take precautions for as long as your doctor suggests.

Take your medicine as soon as possible if you should miss a dose. Do not double doses if you forget until the next day, as bleeding may result. Skip missed doses of this medication, and report missed doses to your doctor.

Store Plavix away from direct light and heat. Store in a dry location; avoid storing it in the bathroom, near sinks, or other areas where it may become damp. Do not use after the expiration date.

Keep Plavix away from children; both when storing it, and when discarding any unused medication.

Plavix and Pregnancy

This medication has not been adequately studied for safety during pregnancy, though it has not been shown to cause birth defects in animal studies. Speak to your doctor about the benefits and risks of treatment.

This drug should not be combined with breastfeeding. Plavix should not be taken too soon after the birth of a child, as internal bleeding is more likely at this time.

Plavix and Children

Safety and effectiveness of this treatment not determined for children. Individuals under the age of 18 are very unlikely to require this medication.

Plavix and Seniors

Seniors are at increased risk for unusual bleeding during treatment, and should be carefully monitored. Have any injuries or falls, no matter how minor, attended by a physician. There is a higher risk of internal hemorrhage.

Blood levels of this medication are higher in seniors, but the standard dose is usually prescribed. Be sure to report any grey or black stools to your doctor, as these would indicate stomach bleeding and may indicate that your treatment should be reevaluated.

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Plavix is manufactured by Bristol-Meyers Squibb and Sanofi-Synthelabo

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The information contained in this document is provided for educational purposes and information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician or Health professional, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only, please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor, physician or Health professional can say if a medication, a drug alternative or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.