Clopidogrel

What is Clopidogrel for?

Clopidogrel belongs to the class of medications called antiplatelets. Antiplatelets are used to prevent blood clots from forming by making the blood less "sticky". By preventing blood clots, this reduces the risk of you having a heart attack or stroke.

How should I take or use Clopidogrel?

• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
• You may take this medication with or without food.
• This medicine should be taken with or after food.

What should I do if I forget to take or use Clopidogrel?

If your forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using Clopidogrel?

Inform your healthcare processional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• You have liver or kidney problems.
• You have a history of stomach or intestinal ulcers or bleeds, bleeding in the brain or other bleeding problems.
• You are planned for any medical procedures, surgeries or dental procedures as these medications may need to be stopped temporarily before the procedure to prevent too much bleeding.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use Clopidogrel?

Avoid taking large amount of grapefruit or its juice when you are taking this medication as it may interact with your mediation and reduce its effectiveness.

Some medications many interact with this medication and affect their effectiveness or increase the risk of the side-effects. However, these medications may also be important for your treatment. Inform your healthcare professional of the other medications your are currently taking.

Consult your healthcare professional if your are unsure whether your existing medications can be taken together with this medication.

What are some common side effects of Clopidogrel?

• Mild bleeding such as:
• Unexplained nosebleed
• Bleeding from gums when brushing teeth. Use a soft bristle toothbrush to avoid gum bleeds.
• Bleeding from small cuts for 10-15 minutes even as you apply pressure on the wound. Check with your doctor if the bleeding does not stop within 15 minutes or if you feel unwell.
• Menstrual bleeding that is heavier than normal. However, heavy menstrual bleeding can also happen for other reasons. Do check with your doctor if you feel unwell.

Inform your healthcare professional of these side-effects do not go away and interfere with your daily life.

Rare but serious side effects that need to seek medical advice immediately

Patients taking antiplatelets may have increased risk of bleeding. If you experience any serious bleeding, you should stop your medication and inform your healthcare professional immediately.

Serious bleeding may include one or more of the following:

• Blood in the urine
• Black and sticky stools (if you are not using iron supplements at the same time)
• Unexplained large bruises
• Coughing up blood or coffee ground-like vomit
• Sudden severe headache with nausea or loss of consciousness

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If your experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

How should I store Clopidogrel?

• Keep away from children
• Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight

• Throw away all expired medications.

How do I throw away Clopidogrel safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.

What should I do if I overdose?

If your take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare processional for more information.