Description

Directions

Take PLAVIX only as prescribed by your healthcare specialist. Do not take larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Carefully follow the directions on your prescription label.

The usual dose of PLAVIX is one 75 mg tablet per day. If PLAVIX is used to treat a certain condition, the patient may be prescribed a higher dosage to start. It is recommended to take PLAVIX before or after eating food. The entire pill should be swallowed with a glass of water. Healthcare specialists suggest taking PLAVIX at the same time daily to get the best effect of the medication.

While taking PLAVIX (clopidogrel), there are certain things that patients should be mindful about. If you are taking PLAVIX, you should:

• refrain from taking aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medications unless a healthcare specialist has been consulted
• avoid sports and activities that could result in a bruising or bleeding injury.
• use extra caution to avoid cuts when brushing teeth or shaving
• avoid drinking alcohol while taking clopidogrel - it may increase risk of bleeding in stomach or intestines

Cautions

Not all medications work effectively for all patients. You should not take PLAVIX if you:

• have an allergic reaction to clopidogrel
• experience bleeding (stomach ulcer or bleeding in the brain)
• suffer from liver disease or damage
• are pregnant
• are breast-feeding
• are planning to have surgery or dental work within 2 weeks
• are taking other medications that reduce blood clotting, pain, and/or inflammatory conditions, including non-prescriptions

In certain circumstances, the patient may be able to take PLAVIX normally, however they may need a dose adjustment or special tests. Seek advice from your healthcare specialist if you have the following conditions:

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder
• a history of stroke, including TIA ("mini-stroke")
• a stomach ulcer or ulcerative colitis
• kidney disease

Side Effects

Patients should inform their healthcare specialist if they feel ill while taking PLAVIX. Like other medications, PLAVIX can have mild to serious side effects.

Mild side effects of PLAVIX may include:

• itching
• stomach pain
• fatigue
• headaches
• dizziness or faintness
• diarrhea
• stiffness in the joints
• constipation
• nose bleed

Stop using PLAVIX and call your healthcare specialist if you suffer any of these serious side effects:

• bleeding that will not stop
• bloody stool and/or urine
• coughing up blood
• vomit that looks grainy
• chest pain or heavy feeling
• pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, sweating/clamminess & general ill feeling
• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
• sudden confusion
• problems with vision, speech, or balance
• pale skin, weakness, fever or jaundice
• easy bruising
• unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum)
• purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin.

Seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of these signs of an allergic reaction to PLAVIX:

• hives or rash
• difficulty breathing
• swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat

PLAVIX is a blood thinner that can make it easier for patients to bleed, even from a minor injury. Contact your healthcare specialist or seek emergency medical attention if you experience bleeding that will not stop. It is also possible to have internal bleeding. It is vital to contact your healthcare specialist if patients have bloody stools, or cough up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. These could be signs of bleeding in your digestive tract.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. Consult your healthcare specialist if you notice any other effects.