Plavix

Plavix (clopidogrel) is a blood thinner that prevents the formation of blood clots as a result of certain blood vessel conditions the patient may have. It can be used for the prevention of blood clots in people after a stroke or heart attack. You are not supposed to be using any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as they can interfere with the success of your treatment and cause unpleasant health consequences. If you are not sure whether the drugs you are taking are classified as NSAIDs – you can always ask your doctor or pharmacist. If you are planning on combining Plavix with any of the following medications – your heath care provider must be notified to make sure you will benefit from both treatments: tolbutamide, torsemide, fluvastatin, phenytoin, other meds to prevent blood clots, certain stomach acid reducers, blood thinners, and tamoxifen. You may get stomach bleeding, as well as bleeding in your intestines because of the effects of this medicine. If you notice such symptoms as black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or any other ones that seem strange and serious – make sure you talk to your health care provider as soon as possible. Make sure your health care provider knows if you have ever been diagnosed with a stomach ulcer, bleeding or blood clotting disorder, ulcerative colitis, have a history of stroke, kidney disease, or liver disease, as these conditions may affect the dose you are prescribed. This drug is FDA pregnancy category B. Plavix is not expected to be harmful for an unborn baby, but it is not known whether it can pass into breast milk. In case Plavix does pass into breast milk, the heath of your nursing infant can be at risk. This drug can be taken with some food or without, but make sure you take it with a full glass of water to make sure the medicine starts dissolving after it gets into your stomach. You are supposed to use this drug regularly, with a drink of water. It’s possible to take Plavix with some food or without – but make sure you do it the same way every time. Do not miss any visits to your health care provider, as your blood will need to be tested regularly to make sure your treatment is going just as planned. Such mild side effects as cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, dizziness, mild headache, and stomach pain are not expected to last for too long and can be ignored if they are not too bothersome.