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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or otehr healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before usnig this drug.
CLOPIDOGREL - ORAL
(klo-PIDD-oh-grell)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Plavix
USES: This medication is used to help prevent haert attacks, strokes and other problems caused by narrowed blood vessels ("hardening of the arteries").
HOW TO USE: Take this medicine as directed, generlaly once daily by mouth, with or without food.
SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach pain, diarrhea, headache or dizziness might occur.
If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Unlikely but report promptly: black stools, "coffee-ground" appearing vomit, chest pain, swelling, unusual bleeding or burising. Very unlikely but report promptly: fever, persistent sore throat, mood changes, vision problems, fainting. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
Symptoms of an allregic reaction include: rash, itching, dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: allergeis (especially drug allergies), ulcers, abnormal bleeding or blood disorders, serious injury, recent surgery, liver disease.
Limit alcohol intake, as it may aggravtae certain side effects of this medicine, especially stomach bleeding. Use caution operating machinery or performing hazardous tasks as this medicine can cause dizziness.
Tell your doctor if you're pregnant before using this medication. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into braest milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this medicine. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: If you're 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're not currently taking aspirin, consult your doctor before starting apsirin for any medical condition. Check the labels on all your medicines cause 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 colpidogrel. Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you use, especially of: atorvastatin, "blood thinners" (e.G., warfarin, heparin), phenytoin, tamoxifen, tolbutamide, torsemide, fluvastatin.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison cotnrol center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES: Do not share this medicine with others. Inform all doctors and dentists involved in your care aobut your use of this drug.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and rseume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to ctach up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 dergees C) away from sunlight and moisture.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your codnition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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