Before taking Plavix (clopidogrel), tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
Plavix (clopidogrel) should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: blood disorders (e.g., hemophilia), bleeding conditions (e.g., active peptic ulcers).
Before using Plavix (clopidogrel), tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: recent surgery, serious injury (physical trauma), severe liver disease, severe kidney disease, history of abnormal bleeding, other conditions that may put you at high risk for bleeding (e.g., certain stomach/abdominal problems, certain eye diseases).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Plavix (clopidogrel). Your doctor may instruct you to stop Plavix (clopidogrel) prior to surgery.
Plavix (clopidogrel) may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
Limit alcoholic beverages. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding.
Plavix (clopidogrel) should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether Plavix (clopidogrel) passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using Plavix (clopidogrel). Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Store the US product at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted.
Store the Canadian product at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Take Plavix (clopidogrel) by mouth usually once daily, with or without food, or as directed by your doctor. Use Plavix (clopidogrel) regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use Plavix (clopidogrel) at the same time each day.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Stomach upset/pain, diarrhea, constipation, headache, dizziness, rash, flu-like symptoms, or back/joint pain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Plavix (clopidogrel) because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Plavix (clopidogrel) do not have serious side effects.
While you are taking Plavix (clopidogrel), it may take longer for bleeding to stop if you experience a cut or injury. Although unlikely, tell your doctor immediately if any of these signs of serious bleeding occur: unusual or easy bruising/bleeding, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: chest pain, swelling, depression.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), unusual weakness/tiredness, loss of consciousness, persistent stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, unusual change in the amount of urine.
Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: vision changes, slurred speech, confusion.
A serious allergic reaction to Plavix (clopidogrel) is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: severe rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Click HERE to learn more about Plavix side effects.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
If you miss a dose of Plavix (clopidogrel), use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
If you are currently taking aspirin, consult your doctor promptly and ask whether to continue or stop taking it with Plavix (clopidogrel) for your specific condition (e.g., aspirin and Plavix (clopidogrel) may be used in combination after a coronary stent procedure, or for some heart conditions). If you are not currently taking aspirin, consult your doctor before starting it for any medical condition.
Before using Plavix (clopidogrel), tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: atorvastatin, "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin, heparin), oseltamivir, tipranavir.
Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many contain pain relievers/fever reducers (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin) which can increase the risk of bleeding/anti-platelet effect when used with Plavix (clopidogrel). Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.