Plavix online

Item name:

Plavix (clopidogrel) (Bristol Myers)

Generic name:

clopidogrel

Brand names:

Plavix

Item info:

Clopidogrel is used in the prevention and treatment of heart attack, stroke, blood clots, and acute coronary syndrome. Clopidogrel prevents platelets (substances in the blood) from clustering. This helps to prevent blood from forming blood clots.

Drug class:

Plavix (clopidogrel bisulfate) is an inhibitor of ADP-induced platelet aggregation acting by direct inhibition of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) binding to its receptor and of the subsequent ADP-mediated activation of the glycoprotein GPIIb/IIIa complex.

Interactions:

Tell your doctor and dentist that you are taking this medication before having any surgical procedures.

Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, others), naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), ketoprofen (Orudis, Orudis KT, Oruvail), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) without first talking to your doctor. It may take longer than usual for you to stop bleeding, even from minor wounds. Tell your doctor about any unusual bleeding or bruising that you experience.

Before taking this medication tell your doctor if you are taking:

•   aspirin; 
•  warfarin (Coumadin); 
•  heparin, ardeparin (Normiflo), dalteparin (Fragmin), danaparoid (Orgaran), enoxaparin (Lovenox), or tinzaparin (Innohep); or 
•  a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, Aleve), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), indomethacin (Indocin), diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), diflunisal (Dolobid), etodolac (Lodine), fenoprofen (Nalfon), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), piroxicam (Feldene), sulindac (Clinoril), or tolmetin (Tolectin).

The medicines listed above can cause bleeding, especially when taken with clopidogrel. This could become dangerous. Do not take any of the medicines listed above without first talking to your doctor.

Clopidogrel may also interact with the following medications:

•   phenytoin (Dilantin); 
•  tamoxifen (Nolvadex); 
•  tolbutamide (Orinase); 
•  torsemide (Demadex ); and 
•  fluvastatin (Lescol).

You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medications listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with clopidogrel. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Side effects:

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking clopidogrel and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately:

•  an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); 
•  bloody (or black) vomit or stools; 
•  severe headache, confusion, or dizziness; 
•  unexplained bruising or bleeding; or 
•  bleeding nose.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take clopidogrel and talk to your doctor if you experience:

•   upset stomach; 
•  diarrhea or constipation; or 
•  headache or dizziness.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Prescription needed / OTC:

Plavix is a prescription drug only.

Dosage:

Take clopidogrel exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Clopidogrel can be taken with or without food.

Contraindications:

Do not take clopidogrel if you have active bleeding anywhere in the body such as the stomach (ulcer) or in the head (type of stroke).

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you:

•   have a bleeding or blood disorder, 
•  have or have had a stomach or intestinal ulcer; 
•  have liver disease; or 
•  need to have surgery (including dental surgery).

You may not be able to take clopidogrel, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Clopidogrel is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether clopidogrel passes into breast milk. Clopidogrel is not recommended for use during breast-feeding. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Storage:

Store clopidogrel at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Stroke Medications

• Plavix