Clopidogrel (kloh-PID-oh-grel), commonly sold under the brand name Plavix, is a prescription blood thinner. If you have had a stroke, heart attack or severe chest pain, your doctor may prescribe you clopidogrel to prevent serious or life-threatening problems with your heart and blood vessels.
Your doctor may also prescribe you clopidogrel if you have peripheral arterial disease, or poor circulation in the blood vessels that supply blood to your legs. Your doctor may tell you to take it with aspirin.
Clopidogrel works by preventing platelets, a type of blood cell, from collecting and forming clots. This can also make it easier for you to bleed. It's important to be extremely careful when taking this medicine. What may have been a minor cut before taking this medicine may become more serious. Seek medical attention immediately if you can't get the bleeding to stop.
Your doctor may tell you to avoid alcohol or limit how much you drink while taking clopidogrel. Alcohol can increase the chance of bleeding in your stomach or intestines. It's also important to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this drug before you have any surgery or dental work. Your doctor may tell you to stop taking it at least five days before surgery to lower the risk of excessive bleeding.
Don't stop taking clopidogrel without talking to your doctor. Stopping too soon may increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
People have reported side effects while taking clopidogrel. Call your doctor right away if you notice serious side effects, including:
- Hives, rash or itching
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swelling in your face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles or lower legs
- Black and tarry stools or red blood in your stools
- Hoarseness
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Bloody vomit
- Slow or difficult speech
- Weakness or numbness in your arm or leg
- Fever
- Changes in vision
- Shortness of breath or a fast heartbeat
- Pale skin or purple patches or bleeding under your skin
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Yellowing of your skin or eyes
Talk to your doctor about less serious side effects including:
- Excessive tiredness or dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Nosebleed
Do not take this medicine if you have a bleeding stomach ulcer or a head injury that caused bleeding in your brain. Visit our Heart Health page for more information about heart health medications. Additionally, you can save on the cost of Clopidogrel by printing out a free coupon on our Clopidogrel Discounts and Coupons page.
