Product Details: Plavix (Clopidogrel)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Bristol-Myers Squibb and Sanofi-Aventis

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is an antiplatelet agent used to reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack in patients with atherosclerosis. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light. 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.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including blood counts, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using this medicine. If you are currently taking aspirin, consult your doctor promptly and ask if you should continue or stop taking aspirin with this medication for your specific condition. If you are not currently taking aspirin, consult your doctor before starting aspirin for any medical condition. Check the labels on all your medicines because they may contain pain relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin). Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products while taking clopidogrel. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. IF YOU BECOME ILL, including a fever, contact your doctor. AVOID ANY SPORTS that expose you to risk of serious injury. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include diarrhea or indigestion. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience sudden, severe, persistent headache; severe dizziness; chest pain; change in vision; reddened, blistered, or swollen skin; itching; stomach pain; joint pain; back pain; nosebleeds; excessive bleeding from cuts; bleeding from gums when brushing teeth; increased menstrual bleeding; unexplained vaginal bleeding; unusual bruising; decreased amount of urine produced; discoloration of urine or stool; black, tarry stools; sore throat; fever, chills, or sore throat; weakness; speech problems; yellowing of the skin or eyes; or pale skin. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If an allergic reaction to this medicine occurs, seek immediate medical attention. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Clopidogrel