Plavix (clopidrogel) is a medication used to help prevent the platelets in the body from forming blood clots. Plavix is used to decrease the risk of heart attack and stroke. It may be used in patients following a heart attack or stroke to help prevent another from occurring. Patients on Plavix should not use aspirin or NSAID (non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs) medications such as Ibuprofen because they may increase the risk of hemorrhage. There are side effects of Plavix that users should be aware of.
Mild Headache and Dizziness
Plavix can cause mild headache and dizziness. Users should use extreme caution while driving or operating hazardous machinery until they know how Plavix may affect them. Patients should not use aspirin or ibuprofen to treat headache, as this may cause increased bleeding. These symptoms should be reported to a physician. A doctor may recommend users take acetaminophen to help relieve headache pain and discomfort. If headache is accompanied by visual changes, numbness on one side of the body, tremors, and fainting it may be a sign of something serious that requires immediate medical attention.
Flu-Like Symptoms
Patient's may experience flu-like symptoms while taking Plavix. Side effects can include stomach pain, runny or stuffy nose, cough, or sore throat, reports Drugs.com. Some natural remedies include saline nasal wash/spray for runny or stuffy nose, and warm tea with honey and lemon for throat discomfort. Throat lozenges may alleviate sore throat and cough. Users should not take any over the counter cold medications unless they are approved for use by their healthcare provider. Certain medications can cause serious side effects when taken with Plavix.
Bleeding
Plavix works by helping to thin the blood. This can put users at risk for hemorrhage. Bleeding can occur inside the body while taking Plavix. A physician should be notified if one experiences a bowel movement that is black or red in color, or if vomiting occurs that appears bright red or "coffee ground" colored. These are symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding. Users may notice that they bruise more easily, or bleed more than usual from a small injury. Patient's should avoid drinking alcohol while taking Plavix as it may increase the risk of bleeding in the stomach or intestines, reports Drugs.com.
Member Comments