Plavix (Cont.)

What Are the Effects of Plavix?

Plavix, which is an antiplatelet medication (also known as a blood thinner), helps prevent platelets from sticking together and forming a potentially harmful clot. This helps your blood flow more easily. Clots that form in blood vessels can block the blood flow to important organs, such as the heart or brain, and may lead to heart attacks and strokes. As a result, Plavix reduces the risk of having a future event, while also improving blood circulation in people with peripheral vascular disease.
 

When and How Do I Take Plavix?

Plavix comes in tablet form. It should be taken by mouth once a day. It does not matter if you take Plavix with or without food.
 
For Plavix to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Plavix will not work if you stop taking it.
 

What Are the Factors That Affect the Plavix Dosage?

The dose of Plavix your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless specifically instructed by your healthcare provider to do so.
 
(Click Plavix Dosage for more information about dosing for Plavix.)
 

What Are Common Side Effects Associated With Plavix?

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects associated with taking Plavix. Not everyone who takes Plavix will experience side effects. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor, meaning that they require no treatment or are easily treated by your healthcare provider.
 
Common side effects of Plavix include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Major bleeding
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Pain, including back pain and abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Upset stomach or indigestion (dyspepsia)
  • Bruising
  • Bloody nose
  • Unexplained rash
  • Itchy skin.
     
Because Plavix can increase the risk for major or life-threatening bleeding, contact your doctor immediately if you notice that it takes longer for bleeding to stop, you have any unusual bleeding, or have any of the following symptoms:
 
  • Bloody nose
  • Black, tarry stools
  • Blood in the urine or stools
  • Vomiting blood
  • Red or purple spots on the skin
  • Itchy skin or rash.
     
(Click Plavix Side Effects to learn about the specific side effects of Plavix.)
 
(Plavix Continued: Page 3)

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;