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. Before using
Additional
monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking
medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen (nsaids), warfarin, heparin,
phenytoin, tamoxifen, tolbutamide, torsemide, and fluvastatin.
Inform
your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter
medicine that you are taking. Inform your doctor of any other medical
conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Use of this
medicine is not recommended if you have gastrointestinal bleeding or a
history of clotting disorders or ulcers. Contact your doctor or
pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this
medicine. 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
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 (e.g., aspirin and clopidogrel may be used in
combination after a coronary stent procedure). 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. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while
you are using this medicine. If you become ill, including a fever,
contact your doctor. Avoid any sports that expose you to risk of
serious injury. For women: it is unknown if this medicine is excreted
in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine. Possible side effects
Side
effects, that may go away during treatment, include diarrhea or
indigestion. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience sudden,
severe, persistent headache; change in vision; rash; itching;
nosebleeds; excessive bleeding from cuts; bleeding from gums when
brushing teeth; increased menstrual bleeding; unexplained vaginal
bleeding; unusual bruising; discoloration of urine or stool; black,
tarry stools; sore throat or fever; weakness; speech problems;
seizures; yellowing of the skin or eyes; or pale skin. If you notice
other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or
pharmacist. Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Additional information
Do
not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do
not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine
out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended
period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out
Drug interactions
Drug
interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine
from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact
with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all
prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.
