Generic Plavix ® : CLOPIDOGREL
Clopidogrel is the chemical name of the active ingredient in Plavix ®
Plavix ® is the registered trademark of Sanofi-Synthelabo

Plavix is commonly prescribed to treat patients susceptible to heart attack and stroke. Plavix operates by prevent blood platelets from forming into clots, thereby improving blood flow to your body, heart, and brain. Plavix is prescribed to prevent serious circulation problems in patients with unstable angina, hardening of the arteries, or in patients who have already suffered a heart attack or stroke.

Medication information about generic Plavix
Important information about usage, risks and possible side-effects..

Tablets Chemical Name: CLOPIDOGREL ( kloe-PIH-doe-grell)

Possible Uses of This Medication This medicine 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.

Before using Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen ( NSAIDs), warfarin, heparin, phenytoin, tamoxifen, tolbutamide, torsemide, and fluvastatin. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have gastrointestinal bleeding or a history of clotting disorders or ulcers. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

How to take this medication Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food.

Cautions If you are currently taking aspirin, consult your doctor promptly and ask if you should continue or stop taking aspirin with this medication for your specific condition ( e.g., aspirin and clopidogrel may be used in combination after a coronary stent procedure). If you are not currently taking aspirin, consult your doctor before starting aspirin for any medical condition. Check the labels on all your medicines because they may contain pain relievers/fever reducers ( NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin). Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products while taking clopidogrel. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using this medicine. IF YOU BECOME ILL, including a fever, contact your doctor. AVOID ANY SPORTS that expose you to risk of serious injury. FOR WOMEN: IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include diarrhea or indigestion. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience sudden, severe, persistent headache; change in vision; rash; itching; nosebleeds; excessive bleeding from cuts; bleeding from gums when brushing teeth; increased menstrual bleeding; unexplained vaginal bleeding; unusual bruising; discoloration of urine or stool; black, tarry stools; sore throat or fever; weakness; speech problems; seizures; yellowing of the skin or eyes; or pale skin. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.Inform your doctor about all the medicines you take with and without a prescription.

Missed Dose IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE and you are taking 1 dose daily, take the missed dose if you remember the same day. Skip the missed dose if you do not remember until the next day. do not double the next dose

Storage Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.

Other Information DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.