Plavix
Complete list of drugs used to
treat arthritis.
Plavix is used to reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack. It works
by preventing excessive blood clotting.
How should Plavix be used?
Plavix 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 Plavix exactly as directed. Do
not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Continue to take Plavix even if you feel well. Do not stop taking
Plavix without talking to your doctor.
Before taking Plavix,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Plavix 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 Plavix, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you
are taking Plavix.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from Plavix 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
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