Plavix Drug Interactions

For people taking Plavix, drug interactions may be a concern. Plavix can interact with a number of different medications. For instance, taking Plavix and warfarin together may cause the body to metabolize both medications differently. Also, taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with Plavix can increase the risk of bleeding. Herbal and nutritional supplements can also interact with Plavix and possibly increase the risk of bleeding.

Plavix (Clopidogrel)

Plavix Drug Interactions: An Introduction

Plavix^® (clopidogrel bisulfate) has a number of medicines that it can potentially interact with. Some of these Plavix drug interactions involve medications such as:

Warfarin (Coumadin^®, Jantoven^®)

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil^®, Motrin^®), naproxen (Aleve^®, Naprosyn^®, Anaprox^®, Naprelan^®), meloxicam (Mobic^®), indomethacin (Indocin^®), nabumetone (Relafen^®), and oxaprozin (Daypro^®)

Phenytoin (Dilantin^®)

Tamoxifen (Nolvadex^®)

Torsemide (Demadex^®)

Fluvastatin (Lescol^®).

Several herbal and nutritional supplements can also interact with Plavix and may increase the risk of bleeding. Examples of these include, but are not limited to:

Dong quai
Feverfew
Garlic
Ginger
Ginkgo biloba
Ginseng
St. John's wort
Fish oil supplements.

Warfarin

If you are taking other blood thinners (such as warfarin) while taking Plavix, your body may metabolize them differently than intended. Your healthcare provider may choose to monitor your INR and prothrombin time more frequently and adjust accordingly. INR and prothrombin time are tests used to measure how well your blood is clotting.

(Plavix Drug Interactions Continued: Page 2)