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(Clopidogrel Bisulfate)
Prescription required. May be split. Product of Turkey. Shipped from Mauritius.
Prescription required. May be split. Product of UK/EU. Shipped from United Kingdom.
Prescription required. Can not be split. Product of Canada. Shipped from Canada.
Plavix (clopidogrel bisulfate) is an oral antiplatelet medication. By preventing platelets from clumping together, Plavix reduces the formation of blood clots that can block critical blood vessels in the heart, brain, and peripheral arteries. It is commonly used to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack), ischemic stroke, and death in high-risk individuals.
Plavix is prescribed to prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events in patients with:
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS): including unstable angina (UA) and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). It is typically initiated with a 300 mg loading dose, followed by a 75 mg daily dose.
ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI): with or without reperfusion therapy (e.g., thrombolytics or percutaneous coronary intervention—e.g., stent placement). The loading dose may or may not be recommended, and 75 mg once daily is often maintained longer term.
Recent Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): to prevent recurrence of ischemic stroke.
Established Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): to reduce the risk of systemic thrombotic events in patients with compromised blood flow to the extremities.
Plavix is often co-prescribed with low-dose aspirin (dual antiplatelet therapy), particularly in post-stent placement and when managing a heart attack.
To comply with Canadian International Pharmacy Association regulations you are permitted to order a 3-month supply or the closest package size available based on your personal prescription. read more
Plavix should be taken exactly as prescribed. The dosage recommended is often:
75 mg once daily, with or without food.
A 300 mg oral loading dose may be required for rapid platelet inhibition in some instances, as determined by your doctor.
Administration Guidelines:
Take Plavix at the same time each day to maintain consistent antiplatelet activity.
If co-administered with aspirin, only take the aspirin dose recommended by your physician (usually 75–100 mg/day).
It’s helpful to discuss the intended length of therapy with your healthcare provider, particularly when combined with another antiplatelet medication, such as aspirin. In many instances, after a pre-determined period of time, one medication may be stopped while the other medication is continued. Effective communication with your healthcare providers is crucial.
Do not stop Plavix without consulting your doctor, even if you notice signs of bleeding. Premature discontinuation may lead to rebound platelet activity and an increased risk of thrombotic events such as a heart attack or stroke. It’s important to discuss concerns related to bleeding or bruising with your doctor, but do not stop the medication unless you have been instructed to do so.
Before surgery or dental work, your healthcare provider may recommend temporarily stopping Plavix 5–7 days before the procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding. Work with your healthcare providers to determine whether the medication should be stopped, when it should be stopped, and when it should be restarted.
Plavix increases bleeding risk. Use with caution in the following situations:
Active pathological bleeding, including gastrointestinal (e.g., peptic ulcer) or intracranial bleeding
Known hypersensitivity to the active ingredient clopidogrel, or any of the inactive ingredients in Plavix
History of gastrointestinal ulcers or recent trauma
Bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia)
Liver disease, which may impair clotting factor synthesis
Surgical history requiring precise control of bleeding
Plavix is a prodrug activated by hepatic CYP2C19 enzymes.
Up to 14% of patients may carry loss-of-function CYP2C19 alleles, leading to impaired metabolism and reduced drug effectiveness. A genotyping test may be used to assess whether an alternative therapy (e.g., prasugrel or ticagrelor) is needed.
Plavix is classified as Pregnancy Category B. Animal studies do not indicate harm, but studies on pregnant women are limited. Special considerations may be needed, particularly when considering labor and delivery.
The safety of Plavix during breastfeeding is not well-established. It’s critical to discuss the potential risks and benefits of therapy with your healthcare provider.
Plavix can be taken with or without food. Taking it with food may reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.
Avoid alcohol, which can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of GI bleeding.
Avoid using over-the-counter cold medicines, pain relievers, or anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) unless approved by your doctor. Products containing NSAIDs will increase the risk of bleeding.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose—do not double up.
Consistent daily use is critical for maintaining antiplatelet efficacy.
Serious or Life-Threatening Side Effects (seek immediate care):
Uncontrolled bleeding, including:
GI bleeding (black or tarry stools, vomiting blood or material resembling coffee grounds)
Hematuria (blood in urine)
Intracranial bleeding (sudden headache, confusion, vision/speech problems)
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP): rare but life-threatening, with symptoms like fever, purpura (purple spots on skin), low platelets, neurologic symptoms, and renal dysfunction
Anemia, jaundice, or liver injury: yellowing of eyes/skin, fatigue, dark urine
Seizures
Common Side Effects:
Easy bruising or bleeding (e.g., nosebleeds, gum bleeding)
Skin rash or itching
Headache, dizziness
GI upset (nausea, dyspepsia)
Discuss concerns related to side effects like bruising, bleeding, and the intended length of therapy with your healthcare provider. Side effects can also be reported to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Store Plavix tablets at room temperature (77°F / 25°C). Temporary excursions to 15°C–30°C (59°F–86°F) are considered okay.
Protect from moisture, heat, and light.
Keep in the original container and out of reach of children.
Plavix’s antiplatelet effect lasts the life of the platelet (~7–10 days); normal clotting function typically returns within 5 days of discontinuation.
Inform your physician or dentist that you are taking Plavix before any procedure.
Genetic tests (e.g., for CYP2C19 variants) may be used to optimize therapy.
Drug interactions include:
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole may reduce Plavix’s effectiveness.
NSAIDs, SSRIs, SNRIs, and other anticoagulants can increase bleeding risk.
Always provide a full medication list (prescription and OTC) to your healthcare provider to avoid interactions.
The content on this page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice. Patients should not use the information presented on this page for diagnosing a health-related issue or disease. Before taking any medication or supplements, patients should always consult a physician or qualified healthcare professional for medical advice or information about whether a drug is safe, appropriate or effective.
