Clopidogrel Bisulfate Side Effects

A package of the 75 mg dosage of Clopidogrel

Serious side effects

Those who experience an allergic reaction to the drug that may include symptoms such as severe rashes, swelling of the face, severe dizziness and trouble breathing, should consult a physician immediately.

easy bruising/bleeding or unusual bleeding that won't stop in the gums and nose
bloody and tarry stools with blood in the urine and coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
chest pain and a spreading heavy feeling
numbness and weakness on one side of the body with severe headaches
severe headaches with colored pinpoints under the skin
confusion and problems with vision, speech and balance
pale or yellowing skin and slurred speech
thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura which can be determined by jaundice , fatigue, purple spots in the skin, stationary panting, changes in urine and seizures
pancreatitis and liver damage/failure with rare cases of hemorrhage and neutropenia (lack of white blood cells
severe abdominal discomfort and fainting

Common side effects

some rashes with itching and sweating
fever, cough and a general feeling of being sick
stomach problems like upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation and nausea
some upper respiratory infections with rhinitis and shortness of breath

Warnings & Recalls for Clopidogrel Bisulfate

Black Box Warning

A black box warning was mandated for Clopidogrel Bisulfate for those who have poor CYP enzyme metabolizers. These patients are more at risk for the drug failing, as well as the drug causing adverse effects. The effectiveness of the CYP enzyme can be tested for.

Other warnings

Those who have reduced liver enzyme activity may not respond as effectively as other patients taking Clopidogrel Bisulfate.

Patients with active ulcers should not take Clopidogrel. Also, those with a history bleeding conditions like past ulcers, recent surgical operations, recent serious trauma and hemophilia should consult with a physician heavily before taking this drug.

Clopidogrel Bisulfate may cause delayed blood clotting in cuts or bruises so those taking the drug should avoid cuts and injuries.

This drug may need to be discontinued for up to 5-6 days before surgery, however patients should not stop taking the drug without consulting with a cardiologist first.

Use with alcohol may increase the chances of stomach bleeding so alcohol intake should be limited while on Clopidogrel.

Those who are allergic to clopidogrel bisulfate or any of its ingredients (hydrogenated castor oil, hydroxypropylcellulose, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol 6000, ferric oxide, hypromellose 2910, lactose monohydrate, titanium dioxide, triacetin and Carnauba wax) should NOT take this drug.

Contraindications:
Contraindications include omeprazole, esomeprazole, fluvastatin, torsemide, phenytoin, tamoxifen, tolbutamide, blood thinners, large amounts of aspirin, warfarin, fluoxetine, cimetidine, fluconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole, ethaverine, felbamate and fluvoxamine.

Ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, etodolac, nabumetone, fenoprofen, flurbiprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, oxaprozin, piroxicam, sulindac, tolmetin, mefenamic acid, antidepressants, tipranavir, etravirine, ticlopidine, orfamotidine, torsemide, fluvastine, anistreplase, dipyridamole, streptokinase and urokinase are also contraindicated.

Family Planning:
There has not been rigorous testing on the affect of Clopidogrel on pregnant women, however fetal harm can not be out-ruled. Patients who think they are pregnant should consult a physician to discuss the risks and benefits.

Nursing mothers should be aware that it is unknown if Clopidogrel Bisulfate passes through to breast milk, therefore those who are breastfeeding should discuss the benefits with a physician before continuing the drug and continuing breastfeeding simultaneously, as some risks could be involved.

Clopidogrel Bisulfate Treatment and Use

What is Clopidogrel?

Clopidogrel | Plavix is an oral medication that helps blood circulation by preventing platelets from clumping and forming harmful blood clots that can lead to strokes and heart attacks. It is used to prevent these blood clots in patients with coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and those who have recently had a heart attack or stroke.

How does Clopidogrel work?

Clopidogrel is a P2Y12 inhibitor that works by preventing blood clots by binding to a receptor I the blood, preventing adenosine diophosphate from activating platelets. The blockade inhibits linking of platelets by a protein called fibrin.

Clopidogrel doesn’t cause any reductions of white bloods cells like other blood clotting medications, so routine blood testing while taking this medication can be unnecessary.

Dosage Information

Clopidogrel is normally taken once daily with or without food.

The recommended dosage for treating angina or heart attack is 300 mg daily to start and followed by 75 mg daily once acclimated to the drug, to be used with 325 mg of aspirin. Peripheral arterial disease or recent strokes are treated with 75 mg dosage daily.

Other Names for Clopidogrel Bisulfate

Plavix