Plavix/Clopidogrel is used to reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack. Plavix works by preventing excessive blood clotting.

This Plavix medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more Plavix information.

Plavix/Clopidogrel comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Plavix usually is taken once a day. Follow the Plavix directions on your Plavix prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Plavix/clopidogrel exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of Plavix or take Plavix more often than prescribed by your doctor.

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

Although side effects from Plavix/clopidogrel are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these Plavix symptoms are severe or do not go away:

If you experience any of the following Plavix symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

* tell your doctor and Plavix pharmacist if you are allergic to Plavix/clopidogrel or any other drugs.

* tell your doctor and Plavix pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); aspirin; fluvastatin (Lescol); ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin); medications for arthritis, pain, or headaches; naproxen (Naprosyn); phenytoin (Dilantin); tamoxifen (Nolvadex); ticlopidine (Ticlid); tolbutamide (Orinase); torsemide (Demadex); and vitamins.

* tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease; any stomach problems, ulcers; any other gastrointestinal disease; or any bleeding or blood disorders.

* tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Plavix/clopidogrel, call your doctor.

* if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Plavix/clopidogrel.

While you are using Plavix (clopidogrel), do not take any medication without your doctor's consent. Over the counter and prescription treatments alike may cause problems. If you take, or plan to take, any of the following, discuss options and risks with your doctor.

Accolate (zafirlukast) - May increase blood levels of Plavix.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) - Increased risk of stomach ulcer, GI bleeding.

Alcohol - Limit to one drink daily. If your liver is damaged due to heavy drinking, your doctor may suggest a lower dose.
Increased risk of stomach bleeding if alcohol taken simultaneously with medication.

Anti-seizure medication like Cerebyx (fosphenytoin) or Dilantin (phenytoin) may have their effectiveness altered when used with clopidogrel, along with increasing the risk of bleeding.
Frequent blood checks and dosage adjustments may be necessary. Aspirin (salicylic acid) or other salicylates - Increased risk of bleeding, though the combination may still be beneficial for some cardiac patients.

Corticosteroids & cortisone treatments - Increased risk of stomach ulcers.

Cox II inhibitors like Celebrex (celecoxib) and Vioxx (rofecoxib) increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Coumadin (warfarin) and other anti-coagulants - Increased risk of bleeding, increased INR testing recommended.

Demadex (torsemide) - The effects of this medication may be increased when used with Plavix.

Fosamax (alendroate) - Increased chance of diarrhea, stomach upset.

High blood pressure (hypertension treatments) - Plavix may reduce their effectiveness.

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) - Drugs like Lescol (fluvastatin), Lipitor (atorvastatin), Mevacor (lovastatin), Pravachol (pravastatin), or Zocor (simvastatin) may have their effects increased.

Integrilin (eptifibatide) - Increased risk of bleeding. Nolvadex (tamoxifen) - May build up to toxic levels when combined with Plavix.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories, or NSAIDs, such as Butazolidine (phenylbutazone), Clinoril (sulindac), Ibuprofen (Motrin), Indocin (indomethacin), Naprosyn (naproxen), Toradol (ketorolac), and others may increase risk of gastrointestinal bleeding or stomach irritation.

Orinase (tolbutamide) - Orinase toxicity may occur. Pain medication - Any non-narcotic pain treatment will increase the risk of bleeding. Narcotic analgesics are safe to use by themselves, but many of them are prescribed as combination products with ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Consult your doctor about pain treatment options.

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

Keep Plavix in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store Plavix at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any Plavix medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your Plavix medication.