What is the most important information I should know about clopidogrel?
You should not use this medicine if you have any active bleeding such as a stomach ulcer or bleeding in the brain.
Clopidogrel increases your risk of bleeding, which can be severe or life-threatening. Call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have bleeding that will not stop, if you have blood in your urine, black or bloody stools, or if you cough up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Do not stop taking clopidogrel without first talking to your doctor, even if you have signs of bleeding. Stopping clopidogrel may increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
What is clopidogrel?
Clopidogrel is used to lower your risk of having a stroke, blood clot, or serious heart problem after you've had a heart attack, severe chest pain (angina), or circulation problems.
Clopidogrel may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking clopidogrel?
You should not use clopidogrel if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- any active bleeding; or
- a stomach ulcer or bleeding in the brain (such as from a head injury).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- an ulcer in your stomach or intestines; or
- a bleeding disorder or blood clotting disorder.
Clopidogrel may not work as well if you have certain genetic factors that affect the breakdown of this medicine in your body. Your doctor may perform a blood test to make sure clopidogrel is right for you.
This medicine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. However, taking clopidogrel within 1 week before childbirth can cause bleeding in the mother. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.
How should I take clopidogrel?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use these medicines exactly as directed.
Clopidogrel can be taken with or without food.
Clopidogrel is sometimes taken together with aspirin. Take aspirin only if your doctor tells you to.
Clopidogrel keeps your blood from coagulating (clotting) and can make it easier for you to bleed, even from a minor injury. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have any bleeding that will not stop.
You may need to stop using clopidogrel for a short time before a surgery, medical procedure, or dental work. Any healthcare provider who treats you should know that you are taking clopidogrel.
Do not stop taking clopidogrel without first talking to your doctor, even if you have signs of bleeding. Stopping the medicine could increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose can cause excessive bleeding.
What should I avoid while taking clopidogrel?
Avoid alcohol. It can increase your risk of stomach bleeding.
Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use extra care to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.
If you also take aspirin: Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to aspirin (such as salicylates, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen). Taking these products together can increase your risk of bleeding.
What are the possible side effects of clopidogrel?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Clopidogrel increases your risk of bleeding, which can be severe or life-threatening. Call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have bleeding that will not stop, if you have blood in your urine, black or bloody stools, or if you cough up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Also call your doctor at once if you have:
- nosebleeds, pale skin, easy bruising, purple spots under your skin or in your mouth;
- jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes);
- fast heartbeats, shortness of breath;
- headache, fever, weakness, feeling tired;
- little or no urination;
- a seizure;
-
low blood sugar --headache, hunger, sweating, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, and feeling anxious or shaky; or
-
signs of a blood clot --sudden numbness or weakness, confusion, problems with vision or speech.
Common side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect clopidogrel?
Certain other medicines may increase your risk of bleeding, including aspirin. Avoid taking aspirin unless your doctor tells you to.
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
- any other medicines to treat or prevent blood clots;
- a stomach acid reducer such as omeprazole, Nexium, or Prilosec;
- an antidepressant;
- an opioid medication;
-
a blood thinner --warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven; or
-
NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) --ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect clopidogrel, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about clopidogrel.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Copyright 1996-2020 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 17.01. Revision date: 1/23/2020.
