ask your pharmacist

back to: pharmacy | ask your pharmacist

What are the side effects of Plavix?

Blood clots can trigger heart attacks and strokes when they form in blood vessels leading to the heart or brain. Plavix (generic name clopidogrel) helps prevent these harmful blood clots and is prescribed for people who face an increased risk for heart attacks and strokes.

Plavix is generally well tolerated. Its most common side effects include abdominal or stomach pain, aching muscles, dizziness, and headache. Since blood clotting will take longer than normal while you're taking Plavix, you may experience prolonged bleeding from cuts or abrasions or even from brushing your teeth. You may also bruise more easily. In rare cases, Plavix may cause stomach bleeding. Symptoms of stomach bleeding include black, tarry stools and stomach pain. If you notice any serious bruising or bleeding, consult your doctor.

There have been rare reports of a serious bleeding disorder called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) associated with use of Plavix. This side effect is most likely to occur during the first two weeks of treatment.

People who suffer from bleeding disorders or stomach ulcers shouldn't take Plavix. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have liver disease or if you're taking other drugs such as aspirin that can increase your risk of bleeding, since you may then be at greater risk of side effects from Plavix.

Sources:
Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. W. B. Saunders Company, 1997.
Cecil Textbook of Medicine. W. B. Saunders Company, 2000.
Micromedex Healthcare Series. Micromedex, Inc., 2000.
Plavix Product Information. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, 2000.
Advice for the Patient: Drug Information in Lay Language. Micromedex, Inc., 1999.
Bennet, C. "Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Associated with Clopidogrel" New England Journal of Medicine 6 (2000).
Drug Facts and Comparisons, Facts and Comparisons, 2000.

This answer prepared 12/13/00.