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What is clopidogrel used for?

It is also used with aspirin to treat new/worsening chest pain (new heart attack, unstable angina) and to keep blood vessels open and prevent blood clots after certain procedures (such as cardiac stent). Clopidogrel works by blocking platelets from sticking together and prevents them from forming harmful clots.

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Similarly, you may ask, what are the side effects of taking clopidogrel?

Common side effects of clopidogrel can include:

  • headaches or dizziness.
  • nausea.
  • diarrhoea or constipation.
  • indigestion (dyspepsia)
  • stomach ache or abdominal pain.
  • nosebleeds.
  • increased bleeding (your blood taking longer to clot – for example, when you cut yourself), or easy bruising.

Beside above, is clopidogrel a blood thinner? Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medicine, or blood thinner. It makes your blood flow through your veins more easily. This means that your blood will be less likely to make a dangerous blood clot. Taking clopidogrel helps prevent blood clots if you have an increased risk of having them.

Also to know, how long should you take clopidogrel for?

The new recommendation is that after 12 months if there is no evidence of major bleeding or other problems with clopidogrel + aspirin, it is suggested you continue that therapy for an additional 18 months.

Can clopidogrel cause weight gain?

Weight gain can be an issue with the lisinopril. If you are experiencing excessive weight gain or swelling, contact your health care provider. The tired feeling may lessen the longer you are on these medications, but it is still important to tell your provider.

Related Question Answers

What should you not take with clopidogrel?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of bleeding in your stomach or intestines. If you need surgery or dental work, tell the surgeon or dentist ahead of time that you are using clopidogrel. You may need to stop using the medicine for at least 5 days before having surgery, to prevent excessive bleeding.

Should clopidogrel be taken in the morning or evening?

You can take clopidogrel at whatever time of day you find easiest to remember, but take your doses at the same time of day each day. Most people prefer to take it in the morning, as they find this helps them to remember to take it regularly. You can take the tablet either before or after a meal.

Does clopidogrel affect blood pressure?

Effects of Clopidogrel on Blood Pressure. Brief Summary: Arterial hypertension is associated with platelet activation, increased sCD40L levels and endothelial dysfunction suggesting that inhibition of platelet-derived sCD40L release may improve endothelial function and lower blood pressure (BP).

Can clopidogrel be stopped?

Most experts recommend taking Plavix and aspirin for at least one year after getting a stent, unless the drug causes problems. If necessary, it can be stopped after three months with a bare-metal stent or six months with a drug-releasing stent.

What foods should you avoid if you are on blood thinners?

Cardiologists report that one of the most common interactions occurs between the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin®) and foods high in vitamin K, which the body uses to clot blood.

These foods include:

  • Asparagus.
  • Broccoli.
  • Brussels sprouts.
  • Cauliflower.
  • Green onions.
  • Kale.
  • Parsley.
  • Spinach.

What is the difference between aspirin and clopidogrel?

Plavix (clopidogrel) quick comparison of differences. Aspirin and Plavix (clopidogrel bisulfate) are drugs used to prevent blood clots. Plavix is an anticoagulant and aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Aspirin also is used to reduce fever, and to treat pain and inflammation in the body.

Does clopidogrel cause fatigue?

Clopidogrel may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: excessive tiredness. headache.

Are there any alternatives to clopidogrel?

Besides oral anticoagulants, such as warfarin and the more recent dabigatran[9], and niche agents, such as cilostazol and ticlopidine[10,11], the most promising alternatives to clopidogrel in those with background aspirin therapy are prasugrel and ticagrelor.

Do blood thinners make you tired?

Aside from bleeding-related issues, there are several side effects that have been linked to blood thinners, such as nausea and low counts of cells in your blood. Low blood cell count can cause fatigue, weakness, dizziness and shortness of breath. Be careful mixing medications.

Does Plavix cause memory loss?

Although no creditable studies have been done on Plavix and memory, it's unlikely that this drug is the cause of her short-term memory loss — for a couple of reasons.

Can you stay on Plavix forever?

The data "suggest that all patients with drug-eluting stents should continue to take [Plavix] for at least 12 months after [stent implantation], and possibly indefinitely," Eisenstein and colleagues conclude.

Is clopidogrel better than aspirin?

In summary, clopidogrel appears to be somewhat more effective than aspirin if one is willing to accept the unitary atherosclerosis paradigm. The gain, however, is modest: about 200 patients should use clopidogrel rather than aspirin for 1 year to prevent just one vascular event.

Does clopidogrel affect blood sugar?

The mechanism of glucose lowering activity of clopidogrel is not clear but it could be explained on the basis of clopidogrel inhibitory effect on TNF-α production and this might cause improvement in insulin sensitivity, increase in glucose utilization by peripheral tissue and suppressed hepatic glucose production.

Is clopidogrel a statin?

In particular, lipophilic statins, which are metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 and share the same metabolic pathway as clopidogrel, have been suggested to potentially reduce the clinical benefit of clopidogrel (1–4). However, there are conflicting opinions on the existence of a clopidogrelstatin interaction.

Can you take clopidogrel every other day?

Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet drug. Usually, if you are prescribed clopidogrel after a stroke or TIA, the dose is 75mg a day. It can be taken with or without food, and you should take it at the same time each day. Clopidogrel is not suitable for everyone.

What is the brand name for clopidogrel?

Generic versions of blood-thinning medication - Plavix (clopidogrel bisulfate) - have been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Clopidogrel bisulfate reduces the likelihood of blood platelets clumping together and forming clots in blood vessels, resulting in a lower risk of stroke and heart attack.

What happens when you stop taking blood thinners?

Answer: Blood clots in veins are common and have a tendency to recur, particularly once you stop taking blood-thinning (anticoagulant) medication. The risk of developing another blood clot if warfarin is stopped has to be balanced against the risk of bleeding complications if the medication is continued.

Can clopidogrel cause joint pain?

So far, clopidogrel has been associated with three cases of acute arthritis.2,3. In a 76 year old woman pain and swelling of the metacarpophalangeal joints developed 2 weeks after starting clopidogrel (75 mg/day) for coronary angioplasty.

Can clopidogrel cause leg pain?

It frequently occurs in the legs and often causes claudication or pain in the legs upon walking.) Clopidogrel bisulfate is used to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in these patients.