Clopidogrel, also known by its brand name Plavix, helps prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Let’s know more about the antiplatelet medication below.
About the medicine
Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medicine prescribed to prevent blood clots. It prevents platelets in the blood from sticking together and forming clots. If you have had a stroke, heart attack, or certain types of heart surgery, you may require this medicine to prevent future issues. It is accessible in both brand-name and generic form. The most popular brand is Plavix, and the only available form of this medication is an oral tablet intended for oral ingestion. The generic version of Clopidogrel is Deplatt. There is no difference between Plavix 75 mg and Deplatt; both perform similar functions in preventing blood clots. However, there is a significant difference in pricing, and the packaging can vary.
Uses of Clopidogrel
Clopidogrel or Plavix is used as a monotherapy or in combination with aspirin to lessen the chance of a heart attack or stroke. It is prescribed to patients with acute coronary syndrome, who have already had a heart attack, angina (severe chest pain), or a stroke, or to patients with peripheral artery disease (a circulation problem) that could contribute to stroke or heart attack. Patients with acute coronary artery disease experience restricted blood flow to the heart.
A heart attack or stroke may happen when a blood vessel is restricted due to a blood clot. Clopidogrel, a platelet inhibitor, reduces the likelihood of forming a harmful blood clot by preventing platelets from aggregating in the bloodstream. In some people, the medication may also increase the risk of serious bleeding.
Method of usage and administration
Clopidogrel, also known as Plavix, is an oral tablet that can be taken without regard to food. However, the dosage and frequency of this medicine usually depend on the individual’s age, condition, and response to the treatment. Therefore, it is essential to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. The medicine is taken once daily. To maintain consistent levels of this antiplatelet medicine in the body, it is best to take it at the same time each day. In addition, this antiplatelet medicine is often prescribed for long-term use to prevent blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks.
Possible side effects
Clopidogrel, also known as Plavix, can cause various side effects, including bruising, bleeding, headache, dizziness, rash or itching, upset stomach, and muscle aches or pains. Side effects that do not require medical help include diarrhoea and headache.
Important information
- Notify your healthcare specialist and seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, loss of balance or coordination, difficulty walking, confusion, severe headache, dizziness, or changes in vision. These can be warning signs that your condition has worsened.
- If you are undergoing any surgery or dental procedure, please inform your healthcare specialist. Certain genetic factors may interfere with the effects of this medicine.
- Aspirin should only be used when it is prescribed to you. Generally, low doses of this medication are used to treat certain conditions. Taking aspirin with Clopidogrel may increase the risk of bleeding, so be careful and discuss with your healthcare professional if you have any doubts related to the use of this medicine.
Take care of the warnings and precautions.
When deciding to use a medicine, the risks and benefits of taking it must be weighed against the risks. For Clopidogrel or Plavix use, the following should be considered:
- Allergies
Inform your healthcare provider if you have experienced any unusual or allergic reactions or if you are currently taking any other medications. Also, please inform us about any allergies, including those to food, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, be sure to read the package.
- Pediatric use
There has not been enough evidence to demonstrate the effects of Clopidogrel in children. The safety and effectiveness of this treatment have not been established in this population.
- Elderly
Research studies performed to date have not demonstrated elderly-specific problems that would limit the use of this medicine in the elderly population.
- Breastfeeding
There is no evidence to determine infant risk when using this medicine during breastfeeding. Your healthcare expert will weigh the benefits against the potential risks before administering this antiplatelet agent to a breastfeeding mother.
Drug interaction
Certain medicines should not be used together at all. In these cases, your healthcare specialist may recommend adjusting the dosing regimen or taking other precautions. When you are following Clopidogrel treatment, you must inform your healthcare professional about taking any medication other than Clopidogrel.
Medicines that may cause drug interaction include aceclofenac, acemetacin, alfentanil, abciximab, amlodipine, aspirin, apixaban, anagrelide, apalutamide, atazanavir, bempiparin, argatroban, azathioprine, amiodarone, bupropion, cangrelor, bromfenac betrixaban, celecoxib, carbamazepine, cliostazol, clevidipine, codeine, clonixin, etc.
Verdict!
Currently, several medications are available for individuals at risk of forming blood clots. But it is important to note that the medicines that protect you also make you likely to bleed easily. Be sure to follow your healthcare specialist’s instructions for taking Clopidogrel (Plavix) and ask questions if you need to clarify anything.
Marie
