Brand Name: Plavix

Plavix for Arterial Disease Drug Information

How should Plavix be used o avoid negative side effects?

Continue to take Plavix even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Plavix without talking to your doctor.

How else can Plavix be used?

Plavix is also sometimes used to prevent blood clots in people with mitral valve disease (a condition that affects the valve that separates the left upper and lower chambers of the heart) and people undergoing certain heart procedures. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.

What special precautions should I follow when I take Plavix?

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Plavix or any other medications.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); fluvastatin (Lescol); phenytoin (Dilantin); tamoxifen (Nolvadex); tolbutamide; and torsemide (Demadex). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have bleeding ulcers (sores in the lining of the stomach or small intestine that are bleeding ), bleeding in the brain, or any other condition that causes severe bleeding. Your doctor may tell you that you should not take Plavix.
• tell your doctor if you have recently been injured and if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease; or any condition that may cause bleeding including stomach problems such as ulcers and eye problems.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Plavix, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Plavix.
• you should know that you may bleed more easily or for a longer time than usual while you are taking Plavix. Be careful not to cut or hurt yourself while you are taking Plavix.

What special dietary instructions should I follow when on Plavix?

What should I do if I forget a dose of Plavix?

What side effects should I know about when taking Plavix to prevent stroke or heart attack?

• excessive tiredness
• headache
• dizziness
• upset stomach
• stomach pain
• diarrhea
• nosebleed

• hives
• rash
• itching
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• swelling of face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• hoarseness
• black and tarry stools
• red blood in stools
• bloody vomit
• vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• slow or difficult speech
• weakness or numbness of an arm or a leg
• vision loss
• shortness of breath
• fast heartbeat
• pale skin
• purple patches or bleeding under the skin
• confusion
• yellowing of the skin or eyes

What storage conditions are needed for Plavix?

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.