How to Take Medicine

Clopidogrel should be taken as directed with a glass of water, with or without food.

If this medication is being used for children, then there may be some additional precautions which you should discuss with your doctor or a specialist paediatrician.

If you believe you may have taken an overdose, then you need to contact your local emergency room as soon as possible. You should also do the same if somebody else has taken your medication, as this medication has been prescribed for you.

Missing a Dose

Do not worry if you miss a dose, just resume with taking your next dose when required. However, never take two tablets on the same day to make up for a missing one the previous day. This would count as an overdose.

If I Want To Take This Tablet What Should I Tell My Doctor?

Your doctor will need to know the following points:

• Any liver problems
  
  
• All of your past surgeries
  
  
• Bleeding disorders
  
  
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  
  
• Allergies (including foods)
  
  
• If you are breast feeding
  
  
• If you have ever had any stomach or intestinal ulcers

Drug Interactions

Inform your doctor about all other medications you intake and lifestyle habits (smoking, drinking, caffeine and illegal drugs intake) before using this medicine; this way the doctor can make an informed decision.

If you are taking any of the following, then inform your doctor:

• Blood thinners
  
  
• Anti-inflammatory
  
  
• Aspirin
  
  
• Cilostazol
  
  
• DHEA
  
  
• Dipyridamole
  
  
• Doxercalciferol
  
  
• Feverfew
  
  
• Fluvastatin
  
  
• Prasterone
  
  
• Ramelteon
  
  
• Tamoxifen
  
  
• Torsemide
  
  
• Phenytoin
  
  
• Ticlopidine

You should also inform your doctor if you like to consume or eat the following:

• Fish oils (or fish oil supplements)
  
  
• Garlic
  
  
• Ginger

Precautions

Whilst on this medication you should watch out for a few things. First, your doctor will more than likely ask you to come back for regular checkups, and you should not stop taking the medication, unless informed by a medical official.

Generic Plavix can sometimes cause excessive bleeding. This means you may bleed easier and for longer. If this is a problem then inform your GP.

Whilst on Generic Plavix it is best to assume you should not take any 'over the counter' pain medications: aspirin, ibuprofen, etc. However, if you need to then you should ask your doctor if it is safe.If you are going in for any dental work or surgery then inform them you are taking Clopidogrel.

Side Effects

If you come across any of these side effects then stop taking the medication and talk to your doctor immediately:

• Blood from vomiting
  
  
• Blood in urine
  
  
• Black and almost tarry like stools
  
  
• Nosebleeds
  
  
• Increase of spots on the skin
  
  
• Stomach pains and aches
  
  
• Fever
  
  
• Problems breathing (tightening of the throat)
  
  
• Rashes
  
  
• Weakness or fatigue
  
  
• Swelling
  
  
• Easy bleeding or easy bruising
  
  
• Heavy menstrual bleeding

In some cases you may experience 'less severe' side effects. If you do come across any of these, then it is up to you if you choose to inform you doctor:

• Stomach upset
  
  
• Indigestion or heartburn
  
  
• Diarrhoea

*List may not include all possible side effects.

Storage

As with all medications, keep it out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature. If you still have some tablets left over then please dispose of carefully or hand over to your doctor who will dispose them for you.