GENERIC NAME: CLOPIDOGREL - ORAL (klo-PIDD-oh-grell)

BRAND NAME(S): Plavix

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

USES: Clopidogrel is used to prevent heart attacks and strokes in persons with heart disease (recent heart attack, unstable angina), recent stroke, or blood circulation disease (peripheral vascular disease). It works by blocking certain blood cells called platelets and prevents them from forming harmful blood clots. This "anti-platelet" effect helps to keep blood flowing smoothly in your body.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth usually once daily, with or without food, or as directed by your doctor. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day.

SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset/pain, diarrhea, constipation, headache, dizziness, rash, flu-like symptoms, or back/joint pain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. While you are taking this drug, it may take longer for bleeding to stop if you experience a cut or injury. Although unlikely, tell your doctor immediately if any of these signs of serious bleeding occur: unusual or easy bruising/bleeding, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: chest pain, swelling, depression. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), unusual weakness, vision changes, slurred speech, confusion. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: severe rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

Stroke - Learn about strokes. A stroke is the sudden death of brain cells due to a problem with the blood supply. Source:MedicineNet Heart Attack - Overview on heart attack (myocardial infarction) and heart attack symptoms including signs of a heart attack, includes causes, risk factors, prevention, and treatment. Produced by medical doctors. Source:MedicineNet Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA, Mini-Stroke) - Read about transient ischemia attack (TIA, mini-stroke) symptoms such as confusion, weakness, loss of function to one side of the body, slurred speech, and lethargy. TIA is a medical emergency. Source:MedicineNet Read 38 more clopidogrel related articles ... Study: Stopping Plavix May Be Risky Staying on Plavix Cuts Stent Risk Experts Offer Clarity on Confusion Surrounding Stents New Drug Shows Promise in Use With Coronary Stents Anti-Clotting Drug Helps Infants With Heart Ills No Danger Found in Blood Thinner-Statin Combination