Drug title

Plavix (Clopidogrel)

Usage indications

Plavix is used for the prevention of strokes and attacks of the persons related to high risk group. The results of one big research have proved that Plavix efficiency is bigger than the one of aspirin during heart attack force decrease.

The frequency of Plavix side effect reminds the one of aspirin, though stomach and intestine bleedings are less possible and their frequency is less than the one during clopidogrel intake.

Application mode

Take Plavix strictly in accordance with your doctor indications. Consult your doctor in case you have any questions about Plavix intake. Take this drug with a full glass of water. Plavix can be taken during or after meal.

Mechanism of action

Plavix is an anti-platelet drug, that is, a drug that inhibits the ability of platelets to clump together as part of a blood clot. It is similar to ticlopidine (Ticlid) in chemical structure and in the way it works. Unlike ticlopidine, Plavix does not cause serious reductions of white cells in the blood and, therefore, routine blood testing to determine if the white blood cell count is low is not necessary during treatment. The risk of heart attacks and strokes (which usually are caused by blood clots) is increased in patients with a recent history of stroke or heart attack and patients with peripheral vascular disease. (Peripheral vascular disease is the same as atherosclerotic arterial disease or "hardening" of the arteries in which the arteries become narrowed. It frequently occurs in the legs and often causes claudication or pain in the legs upon walking). Plavix is used to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in these patients.

Missed doses

Take this drug as soon as possible if you missed its intake. If it happened during next dosage intake time take missed dose and then follow intake schedule. The intake of two pills in one day is prohibited.

Storage

Store these pills at room temperature of 15-30 ° С (59-86 F degrees) away from humidity and light.

Precautions

Inform your doctor or dentist about this drug intake before making any surgeries. Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin and others), naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, paracetamol and others), ketoprofen (Orudis, Orudis KT, Oruvail), indometacyn (indocyn), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro ) or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) without prior consultation with your doctor. 

The bleeding stopping might require more time even if it goes about small wounds. Inform your doctor on any unusual bruises or bleedings you have noticed. The rats tests have proved that Plavix appears at breast milk but its appearance at human breast milk had not been confirmed. Doctor should take into account possible advantages and risks of this drug intake before prescribing it to mothers doing breast feeding.

Possible side effects

Ask for urgent medical help in case you have any of the following signs of allergic reaction to Plavix:

• nettle rash, breathing difficulties, face, lips, tongue or throat edema.

Stop Plavix intake and contact your doctor at once if you have any of the following serious side effects:

• nazal bleeding or other bleedings which can not be stopped;
• bloody or resinous stool or blood in urine;
• cough with blood or thick nausea;
• chest pain or heaviness, the pain spreading over arm or shoulder, vomiting, perspiration or general hostility;
• sudden dumbness or weakness, especially at one body side;
• sudden headache blurred consciousness, vision, speech or coordination problems;
• skin paleness, weakness, fever or yellowing (skin or eyes yellowing)
• light tiredness, unusual bleedings (nose, mouth, vagina or rectum), violet or red bruises under your skin.

Itch is less serious side effect after Plavix intake.
The list of side effects is not complete other side effects might occur as well.

Additional information

Your doctor can provide you detailed information about Plavix.