Clopidogrel (patient information)

Why this medication is prescribed
Clopidogrel is used to prevent strokes and heart attacks in patients at risk for these problems. Clopidogrel is in a class of medications called antiplatelet drugs. It works by helping to prevent harmful blood clots.

How should this medicine be used? Return to top Clopidogrel comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. Try to take clopidogrel at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take clopidogrel exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Continue to take clopidogrel even if you feel well. Do not stop taking clopidogrel without talking to your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine
Clopidogrel is also sometimes used to prevent blood clots in people with mitral valve disease (a condition that affects the valve that separates the left upper and lower chambers of the heart) and people undergoing certain heart procedures. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Special Precautions
Before taking clopidogrel:


 * tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to clopidogrel or any other medications.
 * tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); fluvastatin (Lescol); phenytoin (Dilantin); tamoxifen (Nolvadex); tolbutamide; and torsemide (Demadex). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
 * tell your doctor if you have bleeding ulcers (sores in the lining of the stomach or small intestine that are bleeding ), bleeding in the brain, or any other condition that causes severe bleeding. Your doctor may tell you that you should not take clopidogrel.
 * tell your doctor if you have recently been injured and if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease; or any condition that may cause bleeding including stomach problems such as ulcers and eye problems.
 * tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking clopidogrel, call your doctor.
 * if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking clopidogrel.
 * you should know that you may bleed more easily or for a longer time than usual while you are taking clopidogrel. Be careful not to cut or hurt yourself while you are taking clopidogrel.

Special dietary instructions
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What to do if you forget a dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Minor Side Effects
Clopidogrel may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:


 * excessive tiredness
 * headache
 * dizziness
 * upset stomach
 * stomach pain
 * diarrhea
 * nosebleed

Severe Side Effects
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:


 * hives
 * rash
 * itching
 * difficulty breathing or swallowing
 * swelling of face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
 * hoarseness
 * black and tarry stools
 * red blood in stools
 * bloody vomit
 * vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds
 * unusual bleeding or bruising
 * slow or difficult speech
 * weakness or numbness of an arm or a leg
 * vision loss
 * shortness of breath
 * fast heartbeat
 * pale skin
 * purple patches or bleeding under the skin
 * confusion
 * yellowing of the skin or eyes

Clopidogrel may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

storage conditions needed for this medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:


 * unusual bruising or bleeding

Other information
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to clopidogrel.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

 * Plavix®