Plavix
Clopidogrel Bisulfate
Platelet Aggregation Inhibitor
*The image used above of the drug Plavix, is that of 75 mg tablets.
Patient Information for PLAVIX
What do Plavix tablets contain?
What do Plavix tablets look like?
What type of medicine is Plavix?
What is Plavix used for?
Who should not take Plavix?
What needs to be considered before taking Plavix?
What if you experience prolonged bleeding when taking Plavix?
What if you are pregnant or breast-feeding?
Will Plavix have any effects on your ability to drive or operate machinery?
What if you take other medicines while you are taking Plavix?
Medicines that are not recommended while taking Plavix
How should Plavix be taken?
Children and adolescents
How long should you continue to take Plavix?
What if you take too many Plavix tablets at once?
What if you miss a dose of Plavix?
What undesirable effects may Plavix cause?
How long should you keep Plavix tablets?
How should your Plavix tablets be stored?
What do Plavix tablets contain?
Each Plavix tablet contains 75 mg of a drug called clopidogrel.As well as the active ingredient in Plavix (clopidogrel), the tablets contain a number of other nonmedicinal ingredients. Some people may be sensitive or allergic to one or more of these ingredients, which are: anhydrous lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch, polyethylene glycol 6000, and hydrogenated castor oil. The pink film coating contains hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 2910, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol 6000 and ferric oxide (red). The tablets are polished with carnauba wax.
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What do Plavix tablets look like?
Plavix tablets are round, pink and engraved on one side with the number 75 and the number 1171 on the other. They are supplied in cartons containing a blister card of 28 tablets.
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What type of medicine is Plavix?
Clopidogrel, the active ingredient in Plavix tablets, belongs to a group of medicines called antiplatelet drugs. Platelets are very small structures in blood, smaller than red or white blood cells, which clump together during blood clotting. By preventing this clumping, antiplatelet drugs reduce the chances of blood clots forming (a process called thrombosis).
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What is Plavix used for?
You have been prescribed Plavix because you have experienced symptoms of a condition known as hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Atherosclerosis results in a narrowing of the blood vessels (arteries) and an increased risk of unwanted blood clots (thrombi). These blood clots can lead to symptoms which present in different manners, such as strokes, heart attacks, or peripheral vascular disease (leg pain on walking or at rest). Since you have already had one of these events, Plavix is taken to prevent further blood clots from forming in hardened arteries. This reduces the risk of having a second stroke or heart attack.
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Who should not take Plavix?
- If you have had a bad reaction (allergy) in the past to any of the substances contained in the tablets. Please make sure you read “What do Plavix tablets contain?” and “What else do Plavix tablets contain?” above.
- If you have a medical condition that is causing bleeding such as a stomach ulcer.
If you think you may have any of these problems, or if you are in any doubt at all, consult your doctor before taking Plavix.
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What needs to be considered before taking Plavix?
If any of the following situations apply to you, you should tell your doctor at once:
- You have had a recent serious injury
- You have recently undergone surgery (including dental surgery)
- You have a blood disorder that makes you prone to internal bleeding (bleeding inside any tissues, organs or joints of your body) or tend to bleed longer than 10 minutes without taking any drugs
- You have a medical condition that puts you at risk of internal bleeding (such as stomach ulcer)
- You will be having surgery (including dental surgery) in the next 2 weeks
- You are taking another type of medication. This includes all medications, even those which you have purchased yourself at a pharmacy or a supermarket
- You have liver disease or damage.
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What if you experience prolonged bleeding when taking Plavix?
If you cut or injure yourself, it may take slightly longer than usual for bleeding to stop. This is linked to the way your medicine works. For minor cuts and injuries e.g., cutting yourself shaving, this is of no concern. However, if you are in any doubt at all, you should contact your doctor immediately.
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What if you are pregnant or breast-feeding?
If you are pregnant or if you are breast-feeding
a baby, you should tell your doctor before taking Plavix.
If you become pregnant while taking Plavix, inform
your doctor immediately.
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Will Plavix have any effects on your ability to drive or operate machinery?
Your ability to drive or operate complicated machinery should not be affected by Plavix.
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What if you take other medicines while you are taking Plavix?
Some other medicines, whether prescribed by
your doctor or bought over the pharmacy counter,
may interact with the actions of Plavix to have
unwanted effects. If you are in doubt about whether you should take another
medicine while taking Plavix, please ask your
doctor or pharmacist.
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Medicines that are not recommended while taking Plavix:
- ASA (acetylsalicyclic acid), when taken for prolonged periods, except when it has been specifically recommended by your doctor. An occasional dose of ASA (no more than 1 000 mg in any 24 hour period) should not cause a problem.
- Other drugs used to reduce blood clotting
such as warfarin and heparin.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (drugs used to treat painful and/or inflammatory conditions of muscles or joints) when taken for prolonged periods.
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How should Plavix be taken?
Adults (including the elderly): You should take one 75 mg tablet of Plavix per day, by mouth. Plavix can be taken with or without food. You should take your medicine regularly and at the same time each day.
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Children and adolescents:
Plavix is not recommended for children or adolescents below 18 years of age.
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How long should you continue to take Plavix?
You should take Plavix for as long as your doctor continues to prescribe it.
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What if you take too many Plavix tablets at once?
If you take an overdose of tablets inform your doctor at once or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. A large dose of tablets could put you at risk of serious bleeding, requiring emergency treatment.
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What if you miss a dose of Plavix?
If you forget to take a dose of Plavix, but remember within 12 hours of your usual time, take your tablet immediately and then take your next tablet at the normal time. If you forget for more than 12 hours simply take the next single dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for the one you missed. You can check the day on which you last took a tablet of Plavix by referring to the calendar printed on the blister strip.
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What undesirable effects may Plavix cause?
Occasional side effects reported with Plavix are:
- Rashes and/or itching
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Constipation
- Bleeding in the stomach, bowels or into the eye
- Hepatic (liver) and biliary (bile) disorders
- Generalized allergic reactions such as swelling of the face, lips and/or tongue, shortness of breath
- Bleeding from blood vessels inside the head has been reported in a very small number of cases.
If you notice any undesirable effects, especially during the first few weeks of treatment, including any not mentioned above, promptly notify your doctor for assessment and follow-up.
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How long should you keep Plavix tablets?
Do not use your tablets after the expiry date stated on the carton and blister pack.
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How should your Plavix tablets be stored?
Plavix tablets should be stored in a safe place and be kept out of the reach of children. Do not leave them near a radiator, on a window sill or in a humid place. Do not remove tablets from the blister pack until you are ready to take them.
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