Clopidogrel is a blood-thinning medicine. It is used on its own or together with other medicines to prevent blood clots.
Blood clots that form in blood vessels can cause a heart attack or a stroke.
This medicine is used to reduce the risk of stroke in people who have a high risk of getting them. This includes those who have had a stroke before and are at risk of getting another stroke, and individuals with medical conditions that may increase their likelihood of having a stroke.
It is also used together with other medicines to prevent blood clots in people with a device known as a stent inserted into their heart arteries.
Clopidogrel may also be used to treat other conditions such as blood circulation problems in the leg.
Take Clopidogrel exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition.
Clopidogrel must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
If you miss a dose and it is within less than 12 hours of your usual time, take the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
If you missed your dose for more than 12 hours, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- active stomach or bowel ulcer
- bleeding in the brain, stomach or bowel
- severe liver disease
as Clopidogrel may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of stomach ulcer, bleeding, or minor bowel problems
- eye lesions
- recent serious injury or surgery
- kidney disease
- moderate liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Individuals who are intermediate and poor metabolisers of CYP2C19 may experience enhanced side effects of Clopidogrel. Although not routinely done, your doctor may advise you to undergo genetic testing to check if this medicine is best suited for you. If you know you have this gene type, inform your doctor.
If you are going to undergo certain laboratory tests or have an operation, including minor operations and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Clopidogrel.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. complete blood count) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms bleeding may also be needed.
Clopidogrel may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, stomach pain, stomach wind, diarrhoea, constipation, and nosebleed.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- vomiting blood or ground coffee-like material, blood in the urine; pass out black, red or tarry stools
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- fever, purple spots on the skin or mouth, pale skin, extreme tiredness, confusion, yellowing of the skin or eyes, change in eyesight
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin, heparin, aspirin, ticlopidine
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. ibuprofen
- medicines that neutralises stomach acids e.g. esomeprazole, omeprazole
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. voriconazole, fluconazole
- medicines for depression e.g. fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, moclobemide
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. efavirenz, ritonavir
- strong painkillers e.g. morphine
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB [lung infection known as tuberculosis])
- carbamazepine (medicine for epilepsy [fits or seizures])
- repaglinide (medicine for diabetes)
- paclitaxel (medicine for cancer)
- rosuvastatin (medicine for high cholesterol levels in the blood)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Clopidogrel.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid excessive consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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