Plavix (Clopidogrel)

Description

Plavix, also commonly known as clopidogrel, is a medication used to treat illnesses such as blood pressure and heart attacks by influencing the blood vessels in the body. It is mainly used to prevent the development of unwanted blood clots – especially amongst individuals who have experienced heart attacks and strokes.

 

How it works

 

Blood clots are generally formed when the platelets in your body start to stick together. Plavix prevents this condition from occurring by preventing these platelets from getting together. This reduces the possibility of clotting to a great extent.

 

 

 

Its uses

 

Plavix is mainly used to prevent the occurrence and developments of blood clots. However, it is also used to treat and prevent a number of other illnesses. These include severe chest pain, peripheral artery thromboembolism and heart attacks.

 

Dosage

 

This medication can be either consumed with or without food. Follow your physician’s instructions when consuming this medication. Do not increase or decrease the dosage without his/her consultancy. Do not stop taking this drug abruptly since it can deteriorate your personal health. Increasing the dosage to increase the effectiveness will not work.

 

Therefore, do not attempt to do so since it can increase the risk of side effects. Do not compare your dosage to that of another patient since they can differ according to the individual’s personal health condition and response to the treatment. Even if you feel normal, do not stop taking the medication without consulting your healthcare provider. If you accidently miss a dose, do not double the next one. Skip it and follow your regular schedule.

 

Side effects

 

Listed below are some side effects of Plavix that you might/might not experience during your treatment period.

 

 Nosebleeds
 Bloody stools
 Coughing up blood
 Pale skin
 Jaundice
 Easy bruising
 Unusual bleeding
 Purple or pink spots under the skin

 

Precautions

 

Following the precautionary methods given below will enable you to reduce the risk of experience the above mentioned undesirable side effects.

 

 Do not take aspirin when taking Plavix.

 

 Avoid taking part in activities that can cause injuries and subsequent bleeding.

 

 Avoid alcohol consumption since it can increase stomach bleeding.

 

 Check whether you are allergic to any of the ingredients used to make the medication.

 

 Inform your physician about your current medications since Plavix can interact negatively with some drugs.

 

 Children under the age of 12 and adults above the age of 60 must not consume this medication since they are more susceptible to experience the side effects.

 

 Do not consume this medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding since it can affect the health of the baby.

 

 Do not change the dosage without consulting your healthcare provider.

 

Self-care

 

Due to the action of this drug, you can become more susceptible towards bleeding – even through a minor injury.

 

Therefore, stay away from activities that can cause blood injuries. Be extremely careful when shaving since even a small scratch can result in uncontrollable bleeding. If an injury does bleed uncontrollably, look for immediate medical assistance since the bleeding has to be stopped immediately.

 

Even if you feel normal and do not experience any symptoms, keep consuming this medication regularly until your healthcare provider asks you to stop.