What is Plavix (Clopidogrel Bisulfate) used for?

Plavix (Clopidogrel Bisulfate) is an oral anticoagulant prescribed to prevent strokes, heart attacks, or atherothrombotic events caused by peripheral arterial disease. The medication stops the adhesion of platelets in the blood to prevent clots from forming. This action may also improve blood flow to reduce hypertension or angina. Your physician may use it to treat other unlisted conditions, as well.

How should I use Plavix (Clopidogrel Bisulfate)?

Always use Plavix (Clopidogrel Bisulfate) according to your physician's instructions to get the safest and most effective results from treatment. The normal dosage is one tablet taken once daily, but your individual directions will depend on the condition being treated, your current health, and the severity of your symptoms. These should be swallowed with a large glass of water and can be taken on an empty stomach. Do not split, chew, or crush the tablets before use as this may destroy or alter the effects of their contents. Ask your pharmacist or physician any questions you have about the medicine to make sure you are using it correctly.

What are the side effects of Plavix (Clopidogrel Bisulfate)?

The use of Plavix (Clopidogrel Bisulfate) may cause side effects in some patients including:

• Mild headache
• Flushing of the skin
• Mild skin itchiness or irritation

More serious side effects that may require emergency medical attention are severe headaches, increased nosebleeds, bleeding that will not stop, sensitive skin, easier bruising, chest pain, trouble breathing, numbness, vision problems, blood appearing in the urine, discolored stools, or jaundice. Inform your physician about any worrying or intense symptoms you experience to make sure the correct adjustments are made to your dosage or application frequency to prevent further complications from occurring.

Please Note

Do not begin using Plavix (Clopidogrel Bisulfate) if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, lactose intolerant, if the patient being treated is under the age of eighteen, if you have a peptic ulcer, severely decreased liver function, or if you have recently had an ischemic stroke. Also inform your physician if you are at an increased risk of bleeding, taking other medications that may increase bleeding, if you have moderate liver disease, or decreased kidney function. These conditions may require special adjustments to your regimen to prevent unexpected problems from occurring.

Strictly follow all instructions provided to you by your physician or pharmacist while using Plavix (Clopidogrel Bisulfate). Optimum and safe dosage can differ based on the patient and the condition being treated.

As this medication may be unsafe for certain patients, it is essential you always inform your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as if you have any allergies, other illnesses, or ongoing health conditions, and if you are taking any other form of medication, supplements, or herbal products.

Immediately seek emergency medical care if you have an allergic or hypersensitive reaction. Common signs of a reaction include hives, swelling, skin rashes, chest pains, as well as trouble breathing or swallowing.