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In this Article

• What is clopidogrel (Plavix)?
• What are the possible side effects of clopidogrel (Plavix)?
• What is the most important information I should know about clopidogrel (Plavix)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking clopidogrel (Plavix)?
• How should I take clopidogrel (Plavix)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Plavix)?
• What happens if I overdose (Plavix)?
• What should I avoid while taking clopidogrel (Plavix)?
• What other drugs will affect clopidogrel (Plavix)?
• Where can I get more information?

What happens if I miss a dose (Plavix)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Plavix)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include vomiting, feeling exhausted or short of breath, and blood in your stools or vomit.

What should I avoid while taking clopidogrel (Plavix)?

While you are taking clopidogrel, do not take aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) without your doctor's advice. NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), diclofenac (Voltaren), diflunisal (Dolobid), etodolac (Lodine), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), indomethacin (Indocin), ketoprofen (Orudis), ketorolac (Toradol), mefenamic acid (Ponstel), meloxicam (Mobic), nabumetone (Relafen), piroxicam (Feldene), and others.

Avoid sports or activities that could result in a bruising or bleeding injury. Use extra caution to avoid cuts when brushing your teeth or shaving.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking clopidogrel. Alcohol may increase your risk of bleeding in your stomach or intestines.

What other drugs will affect clopidogrel (Plavix)?

Before taking clopidogrel, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• etravirine (Intelence);
• fluoxetine (Prozac) or fluvoxamine (Luvox);
• tamoxifen (Nolvadex);
• tolbutamide (Orinase);
• torsemide (Demadex);
• fluvastatin (Lescol);
• certain stomach acid reducers, such cimetidine (Tagamet), esomeprazole (Nexium), dexlansoprazole (Kapidex), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec, Prilosec OTC, Zegerid), pantoprazole (Protonix), or rabeprazole (AcipHex);
• an antifungal medication such as fluconazole (Diflucan), ketoconazole (Nizoral), or voriconazole (Vfend);
• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), or tinzaparin (Innohep);
• other medication used to prevent blood clots, such as alteplase (Activase), dipyridamole (Persantine), ticlopidine (Ticlid), and urokinase (Abbokinase); or
• seizure medication such as felbamate (Felbatol) or phenytoin (Dilantin).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with clopidogrel. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about clopidogrel.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed

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