Clopidogrel (By Mouth)

Clopidogrel (kloh-PID-oh-grel)

Helps reduce strokes, heart attacks, and other heart problems caused by atherosclerosis (build-up of fat in your arteries). This medicine is a blood thinner.

Brand Name(s):

Plavix
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to clopidogrel, or if you have a bleeding stomach ulcer or head injury that has caused bleeding in your brain.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You may take the medicine with or without food.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using fluvastatin (Lescol®), heparin, other blood thinners (such as warfarin, Coumadin®).
• Talk with your doctor before taking aspirin or any other type of pain or arthritis medicine (such as diclofenac, etodolac, ibuprofen, indomethacin, Advil®, Aleve®, Daypro®, Dolobid®, Feldene®, Indocin®, Motrin®, Orudis®, Relafen®, Voltaren®), phenytoin (Dilantin®), tamoxifen (Nolvadex®), tolbutamide (Orinase®), torsemide (Demadex®). Taking clopidogrel with these medicines may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.
• If you are using this medicine for a condition called acute coronary syndrome, your doctor may tell you to take aspirin while you are using clopidogrel. In this case, do not start or stop taking the aspirin without asking your doctor.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease.
• While you are using this medicine, if you have any kind of bleeding it may take longer than usual to stop, especially if you hurt yourself. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured.
• You may also have bleeding inside your body and not be aware of it. Tell your doctor if you have any unusual bleeding such as nosebleeds or blood in your urine or stools.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop taking it for a few days before any surgery or dental treatment.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Blood in your urine
• Bloody or black, tarry stools
• Chest pain (may be related to your disease and not a side effect)
• Fever, chills, sore throat
• Severe stomach pain
• Skin rash
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea, indigestion, stomach pain
• Headache, dizziness
• Joint pain
• Runny or stuffy nose, cough

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.