Garlic is a common herb found in most kitchens and it is also well-known for its medicinal properties to help enhance blood circulation. However, this potent herb can adversely interact with other medications that affect blood clotting. Plavix is a prescription drug that works to inhibit blood clotting in patients with cardiovascular disease. However, this life-saving drug can cause potentially serious bleeding complications if it is combined with garlic and other blood-thinning herbs and medicines. It is very important to consult your doctor before you combine any prescription or herbal drug with Plavix.
Plavix
The pharmaceutical medication clopidogrel is commercially sold as Plavix, a commonly prescribed drug for preventing blood clots and improving blood flow to the heart, brain and body. Plavix is used to prevent certain cardiovascular disorders and secondary heart attacks and strokes in patients with a history of these illnesses. This medication works by preventing platelets, the clotting cells of the blood, from coagulating or clumping together to form mesh-like clots along with other clotting proteins. This effect can lead to uncontrolled bleeding in some individuals and patients must be carefully monitored by a doctor while taking Plavix.
Garlic Effects
Garlic has natural blood-thinning properties that increase circulation in the body. Drugs.com warns that taking garlic in addition to Plavix and other anti-coagulant, platelet inhibitor and thrombolytic or blood clot reducing medications may increase the risk of excess bleeding. This includes using large amounts of fresh garlic, garlic powder, garlic oil and garlic supplements.
Plavix Risks
Plavix on its own can also cause uncontrolled bleeding, even from minor injuries. There is also an increased risk of Internal bleeding from the stomach or intestines. Seek urgent medical attention if you experience symptoms such as black or blood stools, blood in the urine, nosebleeds or vomiting or coughing up blood. Other signs of bleeding include swelling anywhere in the body, headache pain, dizziness, weakness or bruising.
Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of bleeding from the digestive tract. If you must undergo dental work or surgery inform your doctor beforehand to prevent excess bleeding. Additionally, while taking Plavix avoid other blood-thinning or anticoagulant medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib and indomethacin.
Considerations
It is difficult to verify the exact amount of active ingredients in a supplement because they are not controlled by the strict government regulations that govern pharmaceutical medications. Therefore, you should avoid taking garlic supplements while taking Plavix. Consult your doctor before you take any other herbal supplement or alternative medicine. Herbal supplements are potent medications that can cause side effects and adverse interactions with other supplements and prescription drugs.
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