Generic Plavix

Indications of Generic Plavix

Plavix or clopidogrel bisulphate works through preventing blood clots and improving the flow of blood going to your heart, brain and other parts of the body.

Plavix is essentially prescribed for the prevention of heart attacks, strokes and other circulation problems, particularly in patients who have unstable angina, hardening of the arteries and in those who have already suffered a heart attack or a stroke.

Plavix can also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Important Information about Generic Plavix

You should not take Plavix if you have an allergy to clopidogrel.

Plavix slows the clotting of blood so if you take this drug, it would take longer than it would normally do to stop the bleeding when you have an injury. Make sure that you would be reporting any unusual bleeding to your doctor right away. Also inform your doctor or dentist before having any kind pro procedure or operation that you are taking Plavix. You might be advised to temporarily stop taking Plavix.

You should not take Plavix if you have bleeding in the brain or a bleeding stomach ulcer. Make sure to tell your doctor of any special medication that you have and are being treated for to make sure that the drug would not be aggravating your condition.

Inform your doctor about any medications, supplements and vitamins that you are taking to be sure they would not be interacting with Plavix or clopidogrel. Some of the medications which could cause interactions include aspirin, fluvastatin, NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, tamoxifen, phenytoin, torsemide, tolbutamide and warfarin.

Plavix could also cause some serious skin reactions like toxic epidermal necrolysis, a condition characterized by blisters or a big area of skin turning red and then peeling off. If these symptoms develop, contact your doctor right away.

Plavix or clopidogrel belongs to the FDA pregnancy category B, which means that it is not known to be harmful to a developing baby. However, if you are pregnant, become pregnant during treatment or are planning to get pregnant, le your doctor know before taking Plavix. Also inform your doctor if you are nursing a baby.

Dosage and Administration of Generic Plavix

You should only take Plavix or clopidogrel as it has been prescribed for you. Do not take a larger dose than what has been recommended by your doctor.

Doses could be administered with or without meals.

If you miss a dose, make sure that you would be taking it as soon as you can. However, if the next dose is almost up, you could just skip the one that you missed and then just take the next dose that is scheduled. Do not take two doses together or take additional medication.

If you overdose on Plavix, seek emergency medical help immediately. Some of the symptoms of a Plavix overdose include exhaustion, prolonged breathing, stomach or intestinal bleeding and vomiting.

Possible Side Effects of Generic Plavix

Plavix or clopidogrel could cause some side effects like abdominal pain, bruising bronchitis, back pain, chest pain, bleeding underneath the skin, flu-like symptoms, depression, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, coughing, fatigue, fluid retention, dizziness, high blood pressure, headaches, sinus problems, indigestion, skin rash, urinary tract infection, nausea, joint pain and itching.