What is the most important information I should know about clopidogrel?
Clopidogrel keeps your blood from coagulating (clotting) to prevent unwanted blood clots
that can occur with certain heart or blood vessel conditions. Because of this drug action,
clopidogrel can make it easier for you to bleed, even from a minor injury. Contact your doctor or
seek emergency medical attention if you have bleeding that will not stop.
You may also have bleeding on the inside of your body, such as in your stomach or
intestines. Call your doctor at once if you have black or
bloody stools, or if you
cough up blood
or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. These could be signs of bleeding in your digestive tract.
Avoid
drinking alcohol while taking clopidogrel. Alcohol may increase your risk of
bleeding in your stomach or intestines.
If you need to have any type of surgery or dental work, tell the surgeon or dentist ahead of
time that you are using clopidogrel. You may need to stop using the medicine for at least 5 days
before having surgery, to prevent excessive bleeding.
While you are taking clopidogrel, do not take
aspirin or other
NSAIDs (non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs) without your doctor's advice. NSAIDs include
ibuprofen (
Motrin,
Advil),
naproxen (
Aleve,
Naprosyn),
diclofenac (
Voltaren),
diflunisal (
Dolobid),
etodolac
(
Lodine),
flurbiprofen (
Ansaid),
indomethacin (
Indocin),
ketoprofen (
Orudis),
ketorolac
(
Toradol),
mefenamic acid (
Ponstel),
meloxicam (
Mobic),
nabumetone (
Relafen),
piroxicam
(
Feldene), and others.
What is clopidogrel?
Clopidogrel keeps the platelets in your blood from coagulating (clotting) to prevent
unwanted blood clots that can occur with certain heart or blood vessel conditions.
Clopidogrel is used to prevent blood clots after a recent heart attack or stroke, and in
people with certain disorders of the heart or blood vessels.
Clopidogrel may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking clopidogrel?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to clopidogrel, or if you have any active
bleeding such as a stomach ulcer or
bleeding in the brain (such as from a
head injury).
Before taking clopidogrel, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use
clopidogrel, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an
unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether clopidogrel passes into breast milk or if it could harm a
nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
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