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Plavix |
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What is Plavix and why is it prescribed? Plavix keeps blood platelets slippery and discourages formation of clots, thereby improving blood flow to your heart, brain, and body. Plavix is prescribed to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and serious circulation problems in people with hardening of the arteries or unstable angina, and in people who've already suffered a heart attack or stroke. Because Plavix slows clotting, it will take longer than usual to stop bleeding. Be sure to report any unusual bleeding to your doctor immediately, and tell any doctor or dentist planning a procedure that you have been taking Plavix. You should discontinue the drug 5 days before any kind of surgery. How should you take Plavix? Follow your doctors directions for taking Plavix. Plavix can be taken with or without food. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time. Store Plavix at room temperature. Are there any Plavix side effects? Plavix side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Plavix side effects may include abdominal pain, back pain, bronchitis, bruising and bleeding under the skin, chest pain, coughing, depression, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, dizziness, fatigue, fluid retention and swelling, flu symptoms, headache, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, indigestion, inflammation of the nasal passages, itching, joint pain, nausea, pain, purple discoloration of skin, rash, upper respiratory tract infection, and urinary tract infection. Less common Plavix side effects may include anemia, anxiety, arthritis, cataracts, constipation, fainting, fever, gout, heart problems, hernia, increased heart rate, insomnia, irregular heartbeat, joint disease, leg cramps, loss of sensitivity to touch, nosebleed, pinkeye, pneumonia, skin problems, stomach and intestinal bleeding, skin tingling, sinus inflammation, vomiting, and weakness. Rare Plavix side effects may include allergic reactions including swelling of the face and throat and difficulty breathing, bleeding in the eyes, confusion, decreased circulation in the skin, decreased white blood cell counts, excessive menstrual flow, fatal bleeding, hallucinations, kidney problems, liver problems, skin erruptions, stomach ulcers, taste disorders, wheezing, and widespread internal bleeding. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Plavix? If Plavix is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Plavix increases the clot-fighting effect of aspirin. The two drugs are often taken together, and combined treatment has lasted for up to one year. Ask your doctor before starting any new drug. Be careful before combining Plavix with Aspirin, Fluvastatin (Lescol), Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Advil, Aleve, Motrin, and Naprosyn), Phenytoin (Dilantin), Tamoxifen (Nolvadex), Tolbutamide (Orinase), Torsemide (Demadex), or Warfarin (Coumadin). Are there any special warnings about Plavix? If you have ever had a stomach ulcer or bleeding in the digestive tract, make sure the doctor is aware of it. Plavix should be used with caution. Plavix should also be used carefully if you suffer from problems inside the eyes, have bleeding problems due to severe liver disease, or expect to be at risk of bleeding from any other cause. In extremely rare cases (about 4 in a million), a dangerous bleeding problem called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura has been known to develop in patients taking Plavix. Signs include fever and bleeding under the skin. Call your doctor immediately if you develop these symptoms. |
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