Plavix

Plavix is an antiplatelet agent used to reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack in patients with atherosclerosis. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor. The active ingredient present in Plavix is Clopidogrel. Each film-coated Plavix tablet contains 75 mg of Clopidogrel.

Plavix keeps the platelets in your blood from coagulating (clotting) to prevent unwanted blood clots that can occur with certain heart or blood vessel conditions. Plavix is used to prevent blood clots after a recent heart attack or stroke, and in people with certain disorders of the heart or blood vessels.

Plavix keeps your blood from coagulating (clotting) to prevent unwanted blood clots that can occur with certain heart or blood vessel conditions. Because of this drug action, Plavix can make it easier for you to bleed, even from a minor injury. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have bleeding that will not stop.

You may also have bleeding on the inside of your body, such as in your stomach or intestines. Call your doctor at once if you have black or bloody stools, or if you cough up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. These could be signs of bleeding in your digestive tract.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of bleeding in your stomach or intestines. If you need surgery or dental work, tell the surgeon or dentist ahead of time that you are using Plavix. You may need to stop using the medicine for at least 5 days before having surgery, to prevent excessive bleeding. Follow your doctor's instructions and start taking Plavix again as soon as possible.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Plavix and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); bloody (or black) vomit or stools; severe headache, confusion, or dizziness; unexplained bruising or bleeding; or bleeding nose.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Plavix and talk to your doctor if you experience upset stomach; diarrhea or constipation; or headache or dizziness.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.