Plavix (Clopidogrel bisulfate) is prescribed for the prevention of heart attack, stroke or heart-related chest pain. People who have suffered from any blood clot-related condition such as heart attack, stroke, chest pain or Peripheral Artery Disease or P.A.D. (a condition that affects the circulation of the legs), are at an increased risk of suffering from another attack of the same diseases. This medication is used as a preventive measure for these conditions.

Plavix (Clopidogrel bisulfate) should be taken exactly as advised by the doctor. For patients who have recently suffered from established peripheral disease, MI or stroke, the usual dosage recommended is 75 mg once daily. Dosage may vary on the discretion of the doctor. The medication can be had before or after a meal. It should be administered with a glass of water.

Plavix (Clopidogrel bisulfate) may cause certain side effects in some patients. Common side effects of this medication are:

• Major bleeding
• Headache
• Pain
• Upset stomach
• Bloody nose
• Itchy skin
• Flu-like symptoms
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Bruising
• Unexplained rash

Plavix (Clopidogrel bisulfate) may increase the risk of bleeding in a few patients which will become apparent in case the following symptoms occur:

• Bloody stools
• Vomiting blood
• Itchy skin or rash
• Bloody nose
• Red spots on the skin

Plavix (Clopidogrel bisulfate) may cause rare but serious side effects in some people; symptoms of which are as follows:

• Decrease in the number of cells in the immune system
• Decrease in the number of platelets
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Joint pain
• Anemia
• Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
• Allergic reactions
• Stomach ulcers or bleeding
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• High blood pressure
• Depression
• Difficulty in breathing

Plavix (Clopidogrel bisulfate) should not be taken in combination with other NSAID’s or aspirin without specific instructions by the doctor. Following are the most common NSAID’s:

• ibuprofen (Advil Motrin)
• diclofenac (Voltaren)
• etodolac (Lodine)
• indomethacin (Indocin)
• ketorolac (Toradol)
• meloxicam (Mobic)
• piroxicam (Feldene)
• naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve)
• diflunisal (Dolobid),
• flurbiprofen (Ansaid)
• ketoprofen (Orudis)
• mefenamic acid (Ponstel)
• nabumetone (Relafen).

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

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

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Plavix (Clopidogrel bisulfate) is used as for the prevention of strokes, heart attacks and heart-related chest pain in people who have a high risk of these diseases. People who have suffered from a recent attack of a blood clot-related disease are more prone to these diseases.

Clopidogrel is also sometimes used to prevent blood clots in patients with mitral valve disease and patients undergoing certain heart procedures. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition. This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Plavix (Clopidogrel bisulfate) should be stored in a cool and dry area and kept out of reach of children and pets.

Plavix (Clopidogrel bisulfate) is not recommended for patients who have a known allergy to Clopidogrel. It is also not recommended for patients who have a bleeding condition such as a head injury or a stomach ulcer.

A doctor should be aware if a patient is pregnant or nursing before prescribing her this medication.

Caution should be exercised in prescribing this medication to patients having a kidney or liver disease.