Plavix Clopidogrel 75mg

Indication

Plavix (clopidogrel) is an antiplatelet agent used to prevent atherothrombotic events in patients with recent myocardial infarction, recent ischaemic stroke, or established peripheral arterial disease. It is also used with aspirin in patients with acute coronary syndrome (unstable angina, NSTEMI, STEMI).

Ingredients

• Clopidogrel 75 mg

Direction

Adults: Take one 75 mg tablet once daily, with or without food. For acute coronary syndrome, a loading dose (300–600 mg) may be given initially as directed by a physician. Continue at 75 mg once daily for up to 12 months (or as directed). Do not stop taking without medical advice.

Side effects

• Bleeding (bruising
• nosebleeds
• prolonged bleeding from cuts)
• Gastrointestinal effects (dyspepsia
• abdominal pain
• diarrhoea)
• Rash or pruritus (uncommon)
• Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) — rare but serious

Precautions

• Do not use if allergic to clopidogrel or thienopyridines.
• Contraindicated in patients with active pathological bleeding (e.g.
• peptic ulcer
• intracranial haemorrhage).
• Avoid concomitant use of omeprazole or esomeprazole (reduce clopidogrel efficacy via CYP2C19 inhibition) — use pantoprazole if a PPI is needed.
• Increased bleeding risk with concurrent anticoagulants
• NSAIDs
• or other antiplatelet agents.
• Discontinue 5–7 days before elective surgery.
• Patients who are CYP2C19 poor metabolisers may have reduced efficacy.
• Inform all healthcare providers that you are taking clopidogrel before any procedure.