Clopidogrel (Systemic)

Brand Names : Plavix

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For clopidogrel, the following should be considered:

Allergies - Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to clopidogrel. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy - Studies with clopidogrel have not been done in pregnant women. This medicine did not cause birth defects in animal studies. However, discuss with your doctor whether or not you should take this medicine if you are pregnant.

Breast-feeding - It is not known whether clopidogrel passes into breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are taking this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.

Children - There is no specific information comparing use of clopidogrel in children with use in other age groups.

Older adults - Although blood levels of clopidogrel may be higher in elderly patients than in younger adults, it is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in other adults.

Other medicines - Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking clopidogrel, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:

• Inflammation or pain medicine, except narcotics - The chance of serious bleeding may be increased

Other medical problems - The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of clopidogrel. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Bleeding problems or
• Liver disease (severe) or
• Stomach ulcers - The chance of serious bleeding may be increased