What is Plavix?

Plavix is used to prevent blood clots after a recent heart attack or stroke, and in people with certain disorders of the heart or blood vessels.
Plavix may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information

Plavix keeps your blood from coagulating (clotting) to prevent unwanted blood clots that can occur with certain heart or blood vessel conditions. Because of this drug action, Plavix can make it easier for you to bleed, even from a minor injury.
Your doctor will perform blood tests to make sure you do not have certain genetic conditions that would prevent you from safely using Plavix.
You should not use Plavix if you have any active bleeding such as a stomach ulcer or bleeding in the brain (such as from a head injury).
Some medicines can interact with clopidogrel and should not be used at the same time. Your doctor may need to change your treatment plan if you also take other medicines, especially certain stomach acid reducers (esomeprazole, omeprazole, Nexium, Prilosec).
If you need surgery or dental work, tell the surgeon or dentist ahead of time that you take Plavix.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Plavix if you are allergic to clopidogrel, or if you have any active bleeding such as a stomach ulcer or bleeding in the brain (such as from a head injury).
Some medicines can interact with clopidogrel and should not be used at the same time. Your doctor may need to change your treatment plan if you also take other medicines, especially certain stomach acid reducers (esomeprazole, omeprazole, Nexium, Prilosec).
To make sure Plavix is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, such as TTP (thrombocytopenic purpura) or hemophilia;
• a history of stroke, including TIA (“mini-stroke”);
• a stomach ulcer or ulcerative colitis;
• kidney disease; or
• if you are allergic to medicines like clopidogrel, such as prasugrel, ticagrelor, or ticlopidine.

FDA pregnancy category B. Plavix is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether clopidogrel passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using Plavix.

How should I take Plavix?

Take Plavix exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Plavix can be taken with or without food.
Because Plavix keeps your blood from clotting, it can also make it easier for you to bleed, even from a minor injury. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have bleeding that will not stop.
If you need surgery or dental work, tell the surgeon or dentist ahead of time that you are using Plavix. You may need to stop using the medicine for at least 5 days before having surgery, to prevent excessive bleeding. Follow your doctor’s instructions and start taking this medicine again as soon as possible.
You should not stop using this medicine suddenly. Use Plavix regularly even if you feel fine or have no symptoms. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What should I avoid while taking Plavix?

Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use extra care to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of bleeding in your stomach or intestines.

Plavix side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Plavix: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using Plavix and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

•     nosebleed or other bleeding that will not stop;bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• pale skin, weakness, fever, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
• heart attack symptoms–chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating; or
• signs of a stroke–sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

What other drugs will affect Plavix?

Certain other medicines may increase your risk of bleeding. Tell your doctor if you take aspirin, especially if you have had a stroke. Talk to your doctor about whether you should take aspirin with Plavix.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Plavix, especially:

•     a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)–aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others; or
• an antidepressant–citalopram, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine, milnacipran, paroxetine, sertraline (Zoloft), trazodone, venlafaxine, vilazodone, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with Plavix, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.