Plavix: Drug Information Guide

Plavix is known at times by its generic name of Clopidogrel bisulfate. It helps keep blood flowing by making sure your blood platelets do not clot. Thus the drug is given by doctors to patients to help reduce the chance of a heart attack, stroke or clotting of a blood vessel. Plavix is also prescribed to patients who have already suffered a stroke or heart attack or if the patient has dangerous chest pains or hardening of the arteries.

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Plavix: What is it good for?

Since Plavix is a good anti-clotting drug, if you start bleeding then it will take longer for you to stop. And if you go to a doctors office or a dentist, you have to mention that you are taking Plavix so they are aware of your blood clotting situation. And of course, if there are any symptoms or unusual bleeding that is seemly out of the norm, then talk to your doctor. If a patient is to get surgery, it is best to not take Plavix a week before the procedure but confirm with your doctor before discontinuing the medication.

Side Effects and Dosage

All chemicals interact differently with each person’s body chemistry so side effects cannot be specifically determined but Plavix can be taken with or without food. If you are pregnant or breast feeding, inform your doctor right away before taking Plavix. It is always a good idea to check with your doctor to see if Plavix is right for you, but some general side effect include:

“Abdominal pain, back pain, bronchitis, bruising, bleeding under the skin, chest pain, depression, diarrhea, high blood pressure, head aches, nausea, join pain, indigestion, infections of the urinary tract or upper respiratory tract, fatigue and/or much more.”

Thus only your doctor and your pharmacist are the only ones fully capable of advising you regarding Plavix and if it is right for you. Now if you miss a dose, then it is fine. Stick with the dosage prescribed to you by your doctor but if you feel the need to ask a question, call your local pharmacy and talk to the pharmacist. And remember to always store the drug at room temperate.

Allergies and Interactions

When you are going to your doctor’s office, make sure they are aware of any allergies that you have or suspect that you may have. And when you go to the pharmacy to fill your prescription, make sure your file is updated with the latest allergy information. Do not take Plavix if you have ulcers and if you get an allergic reaction, call the pharmacist or your doctor right away.

When taking Plavix, be aware of some drugs that interact with Plavix. One such common drug is Aspirin which combines with Plavix and makes it even harder for your blood to clot. Some drugs can decrease, increase or alter the strength and/or the purpose of taking Plavix. Such drugs include Warfarin, Torsemide, Fluvastatin and any anti-inflammatory drugs. There may be other drugs that interact with Plavix so speak to your pharmacist regarding such concerns.

Some Side Notes

The result of Plavix in children are untested and incredibly dangerous so keep the drug away from children or any person(s) other than the person the drug was prescribed for. And remember, this is just a small guide to help you with some clear information about Plavix. Nothing that is written here takes precedence over what your doctor or pharmacist advises you to do, so follow their instructions clearly. If you have any more questions or concerns, talk to a health care professional (doctor or Pharmacist) or visit the Plavix website at: www.plavix.com