Buy Plavix (clopidogrel)

Plavix

clopidogrel

Why is this drug prescribed?

Clopidogrel prevents platelets in blood from sticking together and clotting, thereby reducing the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other related heart problems such as chest pain caused by atherosclerosis (build-up of fat in your arteries).

Clopidogrel is commonly prescribed with aspirin after coronary stent placement.

How and when should clopidogrel be used?

* Clopidogrel is a tablet that is usually taken once daily, in the morning or evening.
* Take clopidogrel at the same time every day. You may take this medicine with or without food. (Take it with food if stomach upset occurs.)
* Take this medicine exactly as prescribed.
* Never stop taking clopidogrel without consulting your doctor.
* Patients who have undergone the coronary stenting procedure will usually take clopidogrel for about four weeks after the procedure. Other patients might need to take clopidogrel for the rest of their lives.

What special instructions should I follow while using this drug?

Before taking clopidogrel, tell your doctor:

* If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
* If you have a history of bleeding disorders or ulcers
* If you participate in vigorous exercise or sports that might cause injury

What other medicines you might be taking, including vitamins, herbal, dietary supplements, and other prescription and non-prescription (over-the-counter) medicines and especially if you are taking:

* anticoagulants ("blood thinners") - such as warfarin (Coumadin), ticlopidine (Ticlid), enoxaparin (lovenox) heparin
* medicines for arthritis, pain relievers, and cough/cold products that contain aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents - such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Naprosyn, ketoprofen (Orudis)
* also other medicines such as phenytoin (Dilantin), fluvastatin (Lescol), tamoxifen (Nolvadex), tolbutamide (Orinase), torsemide (Demadex) or antibiotics
* While taking clopidogrel, do not take any medicines containing aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, unless prescribed by your doctor. (These medicines might cause bleeding problems when taken with clopidogrel.)
* Avoid alcohol and tobacco when taking clopidogrel.
* Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory so that your response to the drug can be checked.
* Before any surgical or dental procedure or emergency treatment, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine. You might need to stop taking this medicine for five to seven days before dental work or surgery. However, do not stop taking this medicine without first consulting with your doctor.
* The effects of clopidogrel last five to seven days after your last dose. Be sure to follow the precautions on this handout for one week after stopping this medicine.

What should I do if I forget to take a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if you remember a missed dose near the time you should take the next dose, take only the regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

What side effects can this drug cause? When should I call my doctor?

* Nausea, upset stomach, stomach pain, diarrhea, rash, and itching are the most common side effects. Eating small, frequent meals and sucking sugar-free hard candy or chewing sugar-free gum may help improve some of the gastrointestinal side effects.
* If you experience any of the following side effects, contact your doctor immediately: any signs of bleeding, such as blood in the urine or stools, nose bleeds, any unusual bruising, black tarry stools, coughing up of blood, unusually heavy menstrual bleeding or unexpected vaginal bleeding, vomit that looks like coffee grounds; heavy bleeding from cuts; dizziness; decreased alertness; severe headache; joint pain or swelling; problems with walking or speaking; difficulty swallowing; shortness of breath; difficulty breathing or wheezing; tightness in chest, chest pain; fever, chills, sore throat; skin rash, itching; swelling of face or hands; yellowing of the skin or eyes; confusion or coma; persistent constipation; severe stomach pain.
* If you experience any other side effects that you think could be caused by this medicine and/or are of concern to you, call your doctor.

What storage conditions are necessary for this drug?

* Keep this medicine in its original container, with the lid tightly closed.
* Store clopidogrel at room temperature and away from sunlight and moisture.
* Keep it and all medicines out of the reach of children.
* Never share your medicine with anyone.
* Never take outdated medicines. Some medicine prescription labels list an expiration date. If such a date is not on your medicine label or if you are unsure how old a medicine is, call your pharmacy.

This document summarizes information to help you understand and safely take your medicine. Other information - not included in this handout - might be important for you to know because of your unique health status. Ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information on the medicines prescribed for you and your unique health care needs.