CLASS and MECHANISM of Action
Generic "Plavix" is a potent oral antiplatelet agent often used in the treatment of coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, and cerebrovascular disease. Generic "Plavix" keeps blood platelets slippery and discourages formation of clots, thereby improving blood flow to your heart, brain, and body. The mechanism of action of Generic "Plavix" is irreversible blockade of the adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptor on platelet cell membranes. This receptor is named P2Y12 and is important in platelet aggregation, the cross-linking of platelets by fibrin. The blockade of this receptor inhibits platelet aggregation by blocking activation of the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa pathway.
Active Ingredients: Clopidrogel Hydrogen Sulphate
Inactive Ingredients: hydrogenated castor oil, hydroxypropylcellulose, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose and polyethylene glycol 6000.
What is Generic "Plavix" PRESCRIBED for?
Generic "Plavix" is indicated for:
- Prevention of vascular ischaemic events in patients with symptomatic atherosclerosis
- Acute coronary syndrome without ST-segment elevation (NSTEMI), along with aspirin
It is also used, along with aspirin, for the prevention of thromboembolism after placement of intracoronary stent. Most consensus-based therapeutic guidelines recommend the use of Generic "Plavix", over aspirin, in patients requiring antiplatelet therapy but with a history of gastric ulceration, as the acidic properties of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) can exacerbate this condition.
How should I take Generic Plavix - Clopidogrel?
Generic "Plavix" comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. To help you remember to take Generic "Plavix", take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Generic "Plavix" exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
STORAGE
Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light.
What are the CONTRADICTIONS for taking Generic "Plavix"?
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you:
- have a bleeding or blood disorder,
- have or have had a stomach or intestinal ulcer;
- have liver disease; or
- need to have surgery (including dental surgery).
You may not be able to take Generic "Plavix", or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Generic "Plavix" is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether Generic "Plavix" passes into breast milk. Generic "Plavix" is not recommended for use during breast-feeding. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
What Happens if I MISS A DOSE?
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
What Happens if I OVERDOSE?
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Generic "Plavix", seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include difficulty breathing, exhaustion, stomach or intestinal bleeding, vomiting
What are the possible SIDE EFFECTS of Generic "Plavix"?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Generic "Plavix" and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- bloody (or black) vomit or stools;
- severe headache, confusion, or dizziness;
- unexplained bruising or bleeding; or
- bleeding nose.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Generic "Plavix" and talk to your doctor if you experience
- upset stomach;
- diarrhea or constipation; or
- headache or dizziness.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs can INTERACT with Generic "Plavix"?
Before taking this medication tell your doctor if you are taking:
- aspirin;
- warfarin (Coumadin);
- heparin, ardeparin (Normiflo), dalteparin (Fragmin), danaparoid (Orgaran), enoxaparin (Lovenox), or tinzaparin (Innohep); or
- a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, Aleve), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), indomethacin (Indocin), diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), diflunisal (Dolobid), etodolac (Lodine), fenoprofen (Nalfon), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), piroxicam (Feldene), sulindac (Clinoril), or tolmetin (Tolectin).
The medicines listed above can cause bleeding, especially when taken with Generic "Plavix". This could become dangerous. Do not take any of the medicines listed above without first talking to your doctor.
Generic "Plavix" may also interact with the following medications
- phenytoin (Dilantin);
- tamoxifen (Nolvadex);
- tolbutamide (Orinase);
- torsemide (Demadex ); and
- fluvastatin (Lescol).
You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medications listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Generic "Plavix". Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
Additional Information
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.
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