Plavix
Clopidogrel
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Plavix
Plavix is an anti-platelet drug. Anti-platelet drugs inhibit the ability of platelets to clump together as part of a blood clot (to initiate blood clotting). Its mechanism of action is similar to ticlopidine (Ticlid), but unlike ticlopidine it does not cause serious reductions of white cells in the blood and, therefore, routine blood testing to check if the white blood cell count is low is not necessary during treatment with Plavix.
The risk of heart attacks and strokes is increased in patients with a recent history of stroke or heart attack and patients with peripheral vascular disease and Plavix is used to prevent this high risk of stroke and heart attack in these patients. Plavix was approved by the USFDA in 1997.
Therapeutic Uses of Plavix
Plavix is used to prevent strokes and heart attacks in persons who are at high risk (with recent strokes and heart attacks). In a long study it was found that Plavix is better than Aspirin in preventing strokes and heart attacks in high risk patients. The frequency of side effects of Plavix was similar to aspirin, but, stomach and intestinal bleeding occurs less often with Plavix than with aspirin so it can be said that Plavix is a better option in compare to Aspirin.
Direction of use of Plavix
Take Plavix as per the direction of your doctor. If you have any question about the dosing of Plavix, you should ask your doctor or other health care provider.
Take Plavix with a glass of water along with food or on empty stomach. If you get stomach upset or irritation you should take it on full stomach to reduce stomach upset and irritation.
If You Miss a Dose of Plavix
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, if you miss a dose. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take double dose of this medicine.
How to Store Plavix
Plavix should be stored at room temperature. Store it away from moisture, direct heat, and direct sunlight and away from reach of children.
More Information About Plavix
If you experience any of the serious side effects of Plavix, you should stop taking it and seek immediate medical attention. The serious side effects of Plavix are:
- An allergic reaction to Plavix which is manifested by difficulty in breathing, feeling of closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, face etc.
- Blood (or black color) in stool or vomit.
- Nose bleeding, unexplained bruising or bleeding etc.
- Severe headache, confusion, and/or dizziness.
If you get any less serious side effects of Plavix you should keep taking it and seek medical attention. The less serious side effects of are:
- Nausea, stomach upset.
- Diarrhea or constipation.
- Headache and dizziness.
If you get any side effect that is not included in the list above also you should consult your doctor immediately, particularly if they become bothersome or persistent.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Plavix
- Studies have shown that Plavix may be present in breast milk. Because of a potential risk for side effects in the nursing infant, it should be used very carefully if you are breast feeding with consultation of your doctor. You must weigh benefits and risks of using it during breast feeding.
- You should inform your doctor and dentist that you are taking this medication before having any surgical procedure or any dental procedure.
- Do not take any NSAIDs (other non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, indomethacin, ketoprofen etc.) while taking Plavix without consulting your doctor.
- If you are taking Plavix it may take longer than usual for your bleeding to stop, even from minor wounds. You should inform your doctor about any unusual bleeding or bruising that you experience during treatment with Plavix.
Possible Adverse Effects of Plavix
- Plavix is tolerated well as aspirin. Diarrhea, skin rash, or itching may occur in approximately 1 in 20 persons taking Plavix. It may also cause abdominal pain in 1 in 20 user of Plavix, but less than aspirin.
- The risk of this dangerous side effect (severe reduction in white blood cell count) with Plavix is about 0.04%, much less than with ticlopidine but twice that of aspirin.
- Plavix may rarely cause a condition called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) in 1 out of every 250,000 people. TPP is a condition which causes blood clots to form throughout the body and is a very serious condition. You should consult your doctor immediately if you get any such side effect and stop the medication immediately. Blood platelets, which are the main initiator of blood clotting, are consumed, and the result can be bleeding because enough platelets are no longer left to allow blood to clot normally.