General Information and Indications:
Clopidogrel is used to prevent strokes
and heart attacks in patients at risk for these problems. Clopidogrel is in
a class of medications called antiplatelet drugs. It works by helping to
prevent harmful blood clots.
Information For Users:
Clopidogrel comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is
usually taken once a day with or without food. To help you remember to take
clopidogrel, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions
on your prescription label, ask your doctor or pharmacist If you have any
questions. Take clopidogrel exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of
it or take it more often than prescribed by your health care provider.
Continue taking clopidogrel even if you feel well. Do not discontinue taking
clopidogrel without informing your doctor.
Other uses for this medicine
Clopidogrel is also sometimes used to prevent blood clots in patients with
mitral valve disease and patients undergoing certain heart procedures. Talk
to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your
condition.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or
pharmacist for more information.
special precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to clopidogrel or any other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are
taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood
thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); aspirin and other nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and
naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); fluvastatin (Lescol); phenytoin (Dilantin);
tamoxifen (Nolvadex); tolbutamide (Orinase); and torsemide (Demadex). Your
doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you
carefully for side effects.
o inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding liver or kidney disease; any
stomach problems, including ulcers; or bleeding in the brain.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking clopidogrel, call your
doctor.
o if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, Inform your doctor or
dentist that you are taking clopidogrel.
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Clopidogrel may cause adverse effects. Inform
your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away:
o extreme tiredness (fatigue)
o headache
o dizziness
o upset stomach
o stomach pain
o diarrhea
o constipation
o nosebleed (epistaxis)
Some adverse effects could be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon,
but if you experience any of them, call your doctor without delay:
o hives (Urticaria)
o rash
o itching
o difficulty swallowing or breathing
o swelling of face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or
lower legs
o hoarseness
o black and tarry stools (Melena)
o red blood in stools
o blood in the vomit (Hematemesis)
o vomiting that looks like coffee grounds
o unusual bruising or bleeding
o fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection
o slow or difficult speech
o weakness or numbness of an arm or a leg
o vision loss
Brand Name(s):
o Plavix®
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