Clopidogrel tablets

May 24, 2019

Clopidogrel tablets

What is this medicine?

CLOPIDOGREL (kloh PID oh grel) helps to prevent blood clots. This medicine is used to prevent heart attack, stroke, or other vascular events in people who are at high risk.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You may take this medicine with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • signs and symptoms of bleeding such as bloody or black, tarry stools; red or dark-brown urine; spitting up blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds; red spots on the skin; unusual bruising or bleeding from the eye, gums, or nose

  • signs and symptoms of a blood clot such as breathing problems; changes in vision; chest pain; severe, sudden headache; pain, swelling, warmth in the leg; trouble speaking; sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg

  • signs and symptoms of low blood sugar such as feeling anxious; confusion; dizziness; increased hunger; unusually weak or tired; increased sweating; shakiness; cold, clammy skin; irritable; headache; blurred vision; fast heartbeat; loss of consciousness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • constipation

  • diarrhea

  • headache

  • upset stomach

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with the following medications:

  • dasabuvir; ombitasvir; paritaprevir; ritonavir

  • defibrotide

  • selexipag

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • certain medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin

  • narcotic medicines for pain

  • NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

  • repaglinide

  • SNRIs, medicines for depression, like desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, levomilnacipran, venlafaxine

  • SSRIs, medicines for depression, like citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline

  • stomach acid blockers like cimetidine, esomeprazole, omeprazole

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature of 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

  • bleeding disorders

  • bleeding in the brain

  • having surgery

  • history of stomach bleeding

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to clopidogrel, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check-ups. Do not stop taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Notify your doctor or health care professional and seek emergency treatment if you develop breathing problems; changes in vision; chest pain; severe, sudden headache; pain, swelling, warmth in the leg; trouble speaking; sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg. These can be signs that your condition has gotten worse.

If you are going to have surgery or dental work, tell your doctor or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.

Certain genetic factors may reduce the effect of this medicine. Your doctor may use genetic tests to determine treatment.

Only take aspirin if you are instructed to. Low doses of aspirin are used with this medicine to treat some conditions. Taking aspirin with this medicine can increase your risk of bleeding so you must be careful. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.

Updated:  

May 24, 2019