Plavix

Generic Name: Clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate
Product Name: Plavix

Indication

Plavix is used to aid in inhibiting the formation of blood clots which could lead to stroke or heart failure or even possibly death.

Action

Plavix contains clopidogrel as the active ingredient. Clopidogrel is an anti-platelet medicine.It works by preventing platelets from clumping together. This prevents the formation of blood clots in hardened blood vessels. This reduces the risk of getting a heart attack, stroke or the possibility of death.

Dose advice

Plavix is only available via prescription from your doctor.

• The usual dose is 75mg (one tablet) daily.
• Take your medication at the same time each day as this helps you to remember to take it and obtain the best effects.
• It is important you tell your doctor or health professional that you are taking plavix in order to prevent any unwanted effects that may occur if used concomitantly with plavix.

Schedule

Schedule 4

Common side effects

All medicines have side effects. Some side effects can be serious, but the most common ones are mild. Common side effects occurring in more than 1% of patients prescribed plavix include:

• Diarrhoea
• Rash
• Itching
• Bleeding (watch out for any black stools or coffee coloured vomit)

Consult your doctor if you experience any side effects.

Uncommon side effects

These are some side effects that occur in less than 1% of patients and are uncommon. Do not be alarmed by this list, they are uncommon side effects and a patient will not necessarily experience any of these:

• Stomach or abdominal pain
• Fever
• Blood in urine or eyes
• Excessive bleeding from wounds
• Red/purple spots on your skin
• Looking tired/pale
• Cracked, itchy inflamed skin
• Difficulty in breathing, tightness in chest
• Swelling of face and other body parts

References

1. Australian Medicines Handbook. Clopidogrel. [Monograph online]. AMH Pty Ltd 2007. [Cited October 29, 2007]. Available from: [URL Link]
2. Plavix. MIMS Online. [Monograph online] MIMS Australia Pty Ltd 2007. [Cited October 29, 2007]. Available from: [URL Link]
3. Lazo, J, Gilman A, Brunton L, Parker K. Goodman & Gilman’s the pharmacological basis of therapeutics.11th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2005

For further information talk to your doctor.