Plavix

The generic name of Plavis is Clopidogrel. It is a drug used in the prevention of blood clotting thereby decreasing the risks of stoke or heart attack in patients who have histories of such conditions or could be inclined to such conditions. Plavix is also used alongside aspirin in order to prevent thromboembolism.

Before using this medicine, you must first consult with your doctor if present medical condition will justify Plavix medication. Certain condition may affect the dosage or performance of Plavix in your body. The doctor will need to check on hemophilia or bleeding problem, trauma, liver disease, stomach pain and intestinal ulcer.

The doctor will also need to consider your allergic reaction to food, preservatives, drugs and even Plavix ingredients, pregnancy and breast feeding.

Certain drugs can interact with Plavix. So make sure to inform your doctor of any medication you are presently or previous taken. Drugs that interact with Plavix include: aspirin, enoxaparin, warfarin, other blood thinners, cilostazol, ibuprofen, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Dipyridamole, DHEA, feverfew, doxercalciferol, fish oil, garlic, horse chestnut, ginkgo biloba, ginger, and other herbal products, ramelteon, prasterone, Tamoxifen, Phenytoin, ticlopidine, torsemide, tolbutamide and fluvastatin.

Make it a point that your doctor is well informed of all your present and past medication including those over the counter drugs. You will also need to tell your doctor, or a health care expert, if you are a chain smoker, regular alcohol or caffeinated beverages user. Tell your doctor too if you are using street drugs or illegal drugs. Use of the previously mentioned substances may react negatively with your Plavix medication. Ask your doctor how your body may need to adjust in order to fully absorb the effects of Plavix in your body.

There are side effects of Plavix, most of them are more common while others are rare. More common Plavix side effects may not necessarily need immediate medical attention. These side effects are mild stomach pain, digestion problem and diarrhea.

However less common and rare side effects of Plavix require immediate medical attention. Side effects of Plavix that need medical attention are nose bleeding, skin itching, blood content in the urine, blood content along with vomiting, black tarry stools, stomach pain, rashes on the skin, reddening or spotting on the skin, severe diarrhea, digestion problem, blood content on the stool, heavy menstruation bleeding, severe allergies, hives, swelling of the feet, hands, tongue, lips, or face, breathing difficulty, difficulty in swallowing, tightening or pain in the throat and unusual weakness.

Report any of the side effects to your doctor. Seek advice on how to lessen these side effects of Plavix in your system.

While under Plavix medication, give your doctor a regular visit. This is an opportunity for you and your doctor to know how well your body responds to the effects of Plavix. Do not discontinue taking Plavix unless told by your doctor or even if your condition seems to be improving and going normal.

Bleeding will be more common especially with those patients who are more sensitive to the ingredients of Plavix. It may take a while before the bleeding subsides. If the bleeding does not stop according to what your doctor has mentioned, inform the doctor right away.

Also, consult with you doctor if you are allowed to take aspirin or other pain reliever drugs. Usually, aspirins are not allowed or other drugs containing aspirin, since it can cause harm on your system. Other drugs not allowed are anti-inflammatory drugs like ketoprofen, naproxen and ibuprofen.

Tell your dentist about your Plavix medication if you are about to have a dental check up. If you are also having a surgery, tell your surgeon that you are undergoing Plavix treatment.

Always keep your Plavix medicine on a safe place away from dust, moisture and sunlight, children’s reach, and air temperature of more than 30 degrees Celsius. Remember that alongside medication, discipline in terms of a healthy lifestyle is the key to improving one’s condition.