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Essential information about Plavix.
Clopidogrel or Plavix is a potent oral antiplatelet agent often used in the treatment of coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, and cerebrovascular disease. It is marketed by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Sanofi-Aventis under the trade name Plavix. In 2006, generic clopidogrel was briefly marketed by Apotex, a Canadian generic pharmaceutical company before a court order halted further production until resolution of a patent infringement case brought by Bristol-Myers Squibb. The court ruled that Bristol-Myers Squibb's patent was valid and has patent protection until November 2011. In 2007, the production was halted to many retail pharmacies and will be changing back to Plavix. In 2005 it was reported that Plavix was the world's second highest selling pharmaceutical with sales of US$5.9 billion.

It use for…

• keeping the platelets in your blood from coagulating (clotting) for prevention unwanted blood clots that can occur with certain heart or blood vessel conditions;
• prevention blood clots after a recent heart attack or stroke, and in people with certain disorders of the heart or blood vessels;

Plavix is not for everyone. Before taking it, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist, he will explain if there are any circumstances under which you should discontinue your therapy.

Dosage:

• The recommended daily dose of Plavix is 75 mg.
• This medication can be taken with or without food.

Don’t worry if you miss a dose. You can take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. But never take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
In case you have overdosed seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
If you found such overdosing symptoms of a Plavix as vomiting, feeling exhausted or short of breath, and blood in your stools or vomit call emergency.
Don’t take aspirin or other NSAIDs ( 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 while you are taking Plavix.
Storage:
Store at 25° C (77° F); excursions permitted to 15°-30° C (59°-86° F).
As any other drug, Plavix can cause some side effects, serious and less serious. The most common are an allergic reaction, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Plavix and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• nosebleed or other bleeding that will not stop;
• black, bloody, or tarry stools;
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
• udden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
• sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, weakness, fever, and urinating more or less than usual.

Less serious side effects:

• stomach pain;
• runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat;
• mild headache or dizziness.

Don’t forget to keep this and other medications out of a reach of children.