Clopidogrel

About Clopidogrel

Clopidogrel is a medication that thins your blood and prevents clumps (clots) from forming. Clots can block blood vessels and reduce blood supply to that body region.

Blood clots can cause a stroke, heart attack, or block vessels in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) and legs (deep vein thrombosis).

Clopidogrel can also be given in heart failure, after surgery, or in arrhythmias due to the increased risk of clotting.

Useful information

• Clopidogrel increases your risk of bleeding. You may therefore be advised to not participate in contact sports to prevent excessive bleeding should injuries occur.

  You can participate in non-contact sports such as cycling, tennis, riding, and athletics. Wear protective devices such as helmets and pads when necessary.

  Take extra caution and wear protective gloves when using knives, scissors or gardening tools.

• It is recommended that you postpone piercings and tattoos when taking clopidogrel.

How does Clopidogrel work?

Platelets are a type of blood cells that come together to control bleeding. Clopidogrel prevents platelets from coming together (aggregating) and hence prevents clots (clumps) from forming in blood.

What are the side-effects I may experience?

You may experience:

• Nose bleeds

• Bleeding gums

  You can use soft toothbrushes to reduce bleeding.

• Heavy menstrual periods

• Diarrhea

• Abdominal pain

• Heartburn

• Blood in urine and stools

  Contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you notice blood in your urine or stool.

You should not abruptly stop taking any medications. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if any side effects of medications become unbearable.

Are there any medications and foods I should avoid?

• You may eat normally while taking clopidogrel.

• Grapefruit or grapefruit juice and clopidogrel shouldn’t be taken together. Grapefruit decreases the effect of clopidogrel.

• You should inform your doctor if you have stomach ulcers or hemophilia.

• Inform your doctor if you have pending surgery.

• You should inform your doctor or pharmacist before taking aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, and most painkillers. It is recommended to take paracetamol for pain management if you are taking clopidogrel.

I forgot a dose. What should I do?

If you forget to take your prescription, take it as soon as you remember.

If you miss a dose, don’t take a double dose.

If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose and take the next one.

Can I drive or operate machinery?

Clopidogrel does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.

Should I be bothered about possible addiction or dependence?

Clopidogrel isn’t addictive.

Will my sexual performance, fertility or contraceptive be impaired?

Clopidogrel has no effect on sexual performance or the effectiveness of contraceptives.

Clopidogrel has not been proven to affect fertility.

Can I use this medication if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Clopidogrel isn’t recommended for use during pregnancy or when breastfeeding. The safety of clopidogrel in pregnancy and during breastfeeding has not been established.