Plavix
® (
clopidogrel bisulfate) is a medication that is used to prevent harmful blood clots from forming in people who have had a recent
heart attack,
stroke, or severe chest pain requiring hospitalization.
It is manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb in conjunction with sanofi-aventis Pharmaceuticals.
Plavix is licensed to prevent blood clots from forming after having a heart attack, stroke, or chest pain that required hospitalization. It also works to prevent clots in people with very poor circulation, such as those who have peripheral artery disease (PAD). Preventing blood clots from forming and blocking blood vessels helps reduce the risk of having another related heart attack or stroke.
(Click Plavix Uses for more information on these uses.)
Plavix affects platelets, which are a type of blood cell that clump together to form clots and stop bleeding in the event of a cut or injury. It is part of a class of drugs called antiplatelet medications. Antiplatelet medications help prevent platelets (a type of blood cell) from sticking together and forming a potentially harmful clot. This helps your blood flow more easily.
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?
Some guidelines for taking the medication include the following:
- The medication comes in tablet form and should be taken by mouth once a day.
- You take Plavix with or without food.
- For Plavix to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
What Are the Factors That Affect My Dosage?
The dosage 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.
What Are Common Side Effects Associated With Plavix?
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects associated with taking Plavix. However, not everyone who takes it 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.
Plavix can potentially interact with a number of medicines.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Plavix?
Prior to taking Plavix, you should talk to your healthcare provider if you:
- Have upcoming surgeries or other invasive procedures planned
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have any allergies
- Have kidney problems
- Have liver problems
- Have active bleeding anywhere in your body, such as a stomach ulcer or bleeding within the head (type of stroke)
- Have a bleeding or blood disorder.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Overdose on Plavix?
People who take too much Plavix may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Bleeding
- Vomiting
- Difficulty breathing.
If you happen to overdose on Plavix, seek medical attention immediately.
Plavix should be stored at room temperature. The tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep Plavix and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Plavix as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Do not take a double dose.
Plavix is available in one strength: Plavix 75 mg oral tablet.
