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

Plavix is a TABLET. It CAN be split in half.

PLAVIX (clopidogrel bisulfate) is primarily used to prevent strokes and heart attacks in patients at risk for these problems. This medication keeps platelets in your blood from sticking together to form clots that can occur in certain heart or blood vessels. Clotting is a direct cause of most heart attacks and strokes. It is highly recommended for patients who have experienced a clot-related condition or have been diagnosed with Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.). Some healthcare specialists may also use PLAVIX for other purposes not listed.

Manufacturer:
Sanofi Aventis

Directions:
Take PLAVIX only as prescribed by your healthcare specialist. Do not take larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Carefully follow the directions on your prescription label.

The usual dose of PLAVIX is one 75 mg tablet per day. If PLAVIX is used to treat a certain condition, the patient may be prescribed a higher dosage to start. It is recommended to take PLAVIX before or after eating food. The entire pill should be swallowed with a glass of water. Healthcare specialists suggest taking PLAVIX at the same time daily to get the best effect of the medication.

While taking PLAVIX (clopidogrel), there are certain things that patients should be mindful about. If you are taking PLAVIX, you should:

• refrain from taking aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medications unless a healthcare specialist has been consulted
• avoid sports and activities that could result in a bruising or bleeding injury.
• use extra caution to avoid cuts when brushing teeth or shaving
• avoid drinking alcohol while taking clopidogrel - it may increase risk of bleeding in stomach or intestines

Cautions:
Not all medications work effectively for all patients. You should not take PLAVIX if you:

• have an allergic reaction to clopidogrel
• experience bleeding (stomach ulcer or bleeding in the brain)
• suffer from liver disease or damage
• are pregnant
• are breast-feeding
• are planning to have surgery or dental work within 2 weeks
• are taking other medications that reduce blood clotting, pain, and/or inflammatory conditions, including non–prescriptions

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder
• a history of stroke, including TIA ("mini-stroke")
• a stomach ulcer or ulcerative colitis
• kidney disease
  

Side Effects:
Patients should inform their healthcare specialist if they feel ill while taking PLAVIX. Like other medications, PLAVIX can have mild to serious side effects.

Mild side effects of PLAVIX may include:

• itching
• stomach pain
• fatigue
• headaches
• dizziness or faintness
• diarrhea
• stiffness in the joints
• constipation
• nose bleed

• bleeding that will not stop
• bloody stool and/or urine
• coughing up blood
• vomit that looks grainy
• chest pain or heavy feeling
• pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, sweating/clamminess & general ill feeling
• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
• sudden confusion
• problems with vision, speech, or balance
• pale skin, weakness, fever or jaundice
• easy bruising
• unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum)
• purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin.

• hives or rash
• difficulty breathing
• swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. Consult your healthcare specialist if you notice any other effects.