Plavix

Active Ingredients:

• Clopidogrel Bisulfate

How does Plavix work and what pharmaceutical group does it belong to?

Plavix is an antiplatelet agent. The drug works by inhibiting thrombocyte aggregation thorough selective blockage of ADP and thrombocyte receptor binding. The drug does not affect PDE. Clopidogrel irreversibly binds to thrombocytes thus they remain inactive for all their lifespan and the restoration of normal thrombocyte function may be achieved only after 7 days after the thrombocytes have been renewed.

Which conditions are treated with Clopidogrel?

The drug is prescribed in treatment of:

• Ischemic disorders prophylaxis in patients with atherosclerosis
• Acute coronary syndrome in combination with acetylsalicylic acid

What should a patient know before using Plavix?

The Clopidogrel should not be used in cases of:

• Hypersensitivity to any components of the drug
• Patients predisposed to bleeding
• Liver function disorders
• Breastfeeding

The drug should be used only in cases of extreme necessity during pregnancy.

Which adverse effects may manifest when using the medication?

The side effects of Plavix include:

• Abdominal pain
• Dyspepsia
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Stomach or duodenal ulcer
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Hemorrhagic insult
• Neutropenia
• Thrombocytopenia
• Skin rash

It is not necessary that the side effects will manifest in an individual but the possibility still exist. For more information please consult your health care provider.

Which groups of drugs or specific preparations may interact with Clopidogrel?

The drug is affected by the following:

• NSAID's
• Heparin
• Anticoagulants
• Diabetes treatment

Tell your doctor about all the herbal preparations as well as prescription drugs that you are currently taking even if they are not on the list.

Important information for the patient: Plavix is supplied for individual use. Do not use it to treat other conditions not listed in the leaflet. Keep the product out of children reach. Do not reuse any disposable materials if supplied with the preparation.