Plavix

Information on Plavix

Tablets
Chemical Name: CLOPIDOGREL (kloe-PIH-doe-grell)

Common uses
This medicine is an antiplatelet agent used to reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack in patients who have already had a heart attack or stroke, or have other circulatory problems due to narrowing and hardening of the arteries. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen (NSAIDs), warfarin, heparin, phenytoin, tamoxifen, tolbutamide, torsemide, and fluvastatin. DO NOT START OR STOP ANY MEDICINE without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including a history of clotting disorders, bleeding problems, ulcers, liver or kidney problems, bone marrow disease, recent injury or surgery (including dental surgery), allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have active bleeding (such as bleeding in the brain or a bleeding stomach ulcer). Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), away from heat and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including blood counts, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist you are taking this medicine. You may need to stop this medicine before you have certain types of surgery. This medicine may cause dizziness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE MAY REDUCE THE NUMBER OF BLOOD CELLS THAT ARE NEEDED FOR CLOTTING. To prevent bleeding, avoid situations where bruising or injury may occur. AVOID ANY SPORTS that expose you to risk of serious injury. IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY TAKING ASPIRIN, consult your doctor promptly and ask if you should continue or stop taking aspirin with this medication for your specific condition. If you are not currently taking aspirin, consult your doctor before starting aspirin for any medical condition. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Check the labels on all your medicines because they may contain pain relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin). Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products while taking this medicine. IF YOU BECOME ILL, including a fever, contact your doctor. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include easy bruising or minor bleeding. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience bleeding in the eye, changes in your vision, change in the amount of urine, chest pain, dark or bloody urine, black or tarry stools, unusual bruising, unusual or severe bleeding (such as excessive bleeding from cuts, increased menstrual bleeding, unexplained vaginal bleeding, or unusual bleeding from gums when brushing), loss of appetite, pale skin, severe or persistent headache, sore throat, fever, speech problems, weakness, unexplained weight loss, or yellowing of skin or eyes. AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO THIS MEDICINE is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If an allergic reaction to this medicine occurs, seek immediate medical attention. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions

If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Additional information
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Selected data included with permission and copyrighted by Medi-Span, 2008. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a Licensed data provider and is not for distribution in professional healthcare settings.