Plavix is a blood thinner which prevents the formation of blood clots in the arteries. Its generic version is known as clopidrogel.
How does Plavix work?
Plavix (or clopidrogel) a blood-thinning product made by Bristol-Myers Squibb is an anticoagulant, it prevents platelets in the blood from sticking together. As a result, Plavix assists in preventing blood clots that can cause a heart attack or stroke. Usually, clopidrogel is prescribed after a person has a heart attack or stroke. Other patients who may benefit from Plavix are those who have chest pains from a heart problem and those who have poor circulation in their legs. After surgery such as percutaneous coronary intervention, angioplasty or coronary artery bypass grafting, a physician may prescribe clopidrogel.
Side Effects of Plavix
Bruising or bleeding easily are the most common side effects of clopidrogel. An overdose of clopidrogel will cause excessive bruising or bleeding. Other side effects are as follows: excessive tiredness, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, headache, diarrhea, stomach pain and nose bleeds. In some cases, the side effects are more serious. For instance, a person may experience hives, itching, or swelling of the tongue, lips, eyes, feet or throat. Black and tarry or bloody stools are a possibility. Some patients might vomit what looks like coffee grounds after taking clopidrogel. Purple patches or bleeding under the skin is possible, and so are slow or difficult speech, and numbness or weakness in an arm or leg. Other sides effects of Plavix include changes in vision, shortness of breath, a rapid heartbeat, pale skin, confusion or fever. A patient’s eyes or skin will turn yellow, and sometimes seizures occur after taking Plavix.
Plavix – contraindications
Those who have bleeding ulcers, bleeding in the brain, certain eye problems or any other condition that causes bleeding should not take blood thinning drugs. If you have recently been injured, let your physician know. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, plan to become pregnant or become pregnant.