Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Plavix (Clopidogrel).
Allergy: Some people who are allergic to other antiplatelet medications such as Ticlopidine or Prasugrel also experience allergic reactions to Plavix (Clopidogrel). Before you take Plavix (Clopidogrel), tell your doctor about any previous adverse reactions you have had to medications, especially anti-platelet medications. Contact your doctor at once if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as skin rash, itching, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face and throat.
Bleeding problems: Plavix (Clopidogrel) increases the risk of bleeding. Using other medications (e.g., certain antidepressants, NSAIDs) may further increase the risk of bleeding. If you have a history of bleeding disorders, discuss with your doctor how Plavix (Clopidogrel) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Plavix (Clopidogrel), and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you experience signs of serious or excessive bleeding (e.g., bleeding from rectum, easy bruising, bloody urine, dark stools, persistent abdominal pain and vomiting), contact your doctor immediately.
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is a rare condition that may occur while taking Plavix (Clopidogrel) and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms include decreased number of blood cells, reduced kidney function, and fever. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms while taking Plavix (Clopidogrel).
Blood glucose: When combined with Plavix (Clopidogrel), certain medications for Type 2 Diabetes (repaglinide) cause dangerously low blood glucose levels. If you have type 2 diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Plavix (Clopidogrel) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Plavix (Clopidogrel), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney function: If you have reduced kidney function or Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Plavix (Clopidogrel) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Plavix (Clopidogrel), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Lactose intolerance: Plavix (Clopidogrel) contains lactose. If you have galactose intolerance (galactosemia, glucose-galactose malabsorption, or Lapp lactase deficiency) you should not take Plavix (Clopidogrel).
Liver function: Liver disease or decreased liver function can affect how Plavix (Clopidogrel) works for you. If you have reduced liver function or liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Plavix (Clopidogrel) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Plavix (Clopidogrel), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
People with severely reduced liver function should not take Plavix (Clopidogrel).
Proton pump inhibitors: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are medications such as Omeprazole and Lansoprazole that are taken to treat stomach ulcers and severe heartburn. When Plavix (Clopidogrel) is taken by people who are also taking a PPI, Plavix (Clopidogrel) may be less effective, depending on the PPI that is used. If you are taking a medication in this class, discuss with your doctor whether you should continue to take it, or whether another medication may be more appropriate.
Stomach problems: Since Plavix (Clopidogrel) can increase the risk of bleeding and slow down the time it takes to form a clot, it is important to remind your doctor if you have had stomach ulcers. Ask the doctor or your pharmacist to review your medications if they may cause stomach ulcers (e.g., NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and others).
Surgery: Your doctor may want to stop Plavix (Clopidogrel) for a several days prior to any planned surgery to prevent any unnecessary bleeding, so it is important to tell all of your doctors that you are taking Plavix (Clopidogrel).
Pregnancy: The medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Plavix (Clopidogrel), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Plavix (Clopidogrel) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Plavix (Clopidogrel), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Plavix (Clopidogrel) have not been established for children.
