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Common uses
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.
If you take
too much
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. |