Plavix

What is Plavix

Plavix prevents platelets (substances in the blood) from clustering. This helps to prevent blood from forming blood clots.

Plavix is used in the prevention and treatment of heart attack, stroke, blood clots, and acute coronary syndrome.

Plavix may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

General medical information about Plavix

It may take longer than usual for you to stop bleeding, even from minor wounds. Tell your doctor about any unusual bleeding or bruising that you experience.

Tell your doctor and dentist that you are taking this medication before having any surgical procedures.

Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, others), naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), ketoprofen (Orudis, Orudis KT, Oruvail), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) without first talking to your doctor.

What you should find out before taking Plavix

Do not take Plavix if you have active bleeding any

Where in the body such as the stomach (ulcer) or in the head (type of stroke).

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you:
- have a bleeding or blood disorder,
- have a stomach or intestinal ulcer;
- have liver disease; or
- need to have surgery (including dental surgery).

You may not be able to take Plavix, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Plavix is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether Plavix passes into breast milk. Plavix is not recommended for use during breast-feeding. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should take Plavix

Take Plavix exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Plavix can be taken with or without food.

Store Plavix at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose:

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if you overdose:

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a Plavix overdose are unknown but might include vomiting, difficulty breathing, blood in the vomit or stool, and exhaustion.

Avoid while taking Plavix

Tell your doctor and dentist that you are taking this medication before having any surgical procedures.

It may take longer than usual for you to stop bleeding, even from minor wounds. Tell your doctor about any unusual bleeding or bruising that you experience.

Possible side effects of Plavix

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Plavix and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- bloody (or black) vomit or stools;
- severe headache, confusion, or dizziness;
- unexplained bruising or bleeding; or
- bleeding nose.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Plavix and talk to your doctor if you experience
- upset stomach;
- diarrhea or constipation; or
- headache or dizziness.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Plavix

Before taking this medication tell your doctor if you are taking
- aspirin;
- warfarin (Coumadin);
- heparin, ardeparin (Normiflo), dalteparin (Fragmin), danaparoid (Orgaran), enoxaparin (Lovenox), or tinzaparin (Innohep); or
- a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, Aleve), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), indomethacin (Indocin), diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), diflunisal (Dolobid), etodolac (Lodine), fenoprofen (Nalfon), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), piroxicam (Feldene), sulindac (Clinoril), or tolmetin (Tolectin).

The medicines listed above can cause bleeding, especially when taken with Plavix. This could become dangerous. Do not take any of the medicines listed above without first talking to your doctor.

Plavix may also interact with the following medications
- phenytoin (Dilantin);
- tamoxifen (Nolvadex);
- tolbutamide (Orinase);
- torsemide (Demadex ); and
- fluvastatin (Lescol).

You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medications listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Plavix. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.