Clopidogrel
Complete list of
drugs used to treat arthritis.
Clopidogrel is used to reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack. It
works by preventing excessive blood clotting.
How should Clopidogrel be used?
Clopidogrel comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken
once a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your
doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take clopidogrel exactly
as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your
doctor.
Continue to take clopidogrel even if you feel well. Do not stop taking
clopidogrel without talking to your doctor.
Before taking clopidogrel,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to clopidogrel or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you
are taking, especially anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin);
aspirin; fluvastatin (Lescol); ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin); medications for arthritis, pain,
or headaches; naproxen (Naprosyn); phenytoin (Dilantin); tamoxifen (Nolvadex); ticlopidine
(Ticlid); tolbutamide (Orinase); torsemide (Demadex); and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease; any stomach
problems, ulcers; any other gastrointestinal disease; or any bleeding or blood disorders.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If
you become pregnant while taking clopidogrel, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you
are taking clopidogrel.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from clopidogrel are not common, they can occur.
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- upset stomach
- fatigue, muscle aches (flu-like symptoms)
- stomach pain
- headache
- diarrhea
- constipation
- rash or purple areas on skin
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor
immediately:
- chest pain
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- bloody vomit
- dark urine
- bloody diarrhea or black, tarry stools
- fever
- confusion or coma
- yellowness of the skin or eyes
- blood in the urine
|
