Doctors prescribe Plavix, also known as the generic clopidogrel, to help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. In addition, if you have risk factors for heart disease or other conditions, your doctor will most likely recommend that you maintain a healthy weight. Plavix should not impede your weight loss, but you should talk to your doctor about your diet options before you make any changes to your eating habits or other lifestyle factors.
Function
Plavix helps reduce your risk for certain health conditions by thinning your blood. This prevents the platelets from sticking together to form clots that can block your blood vessels, preventing blood from flowing through. These blockages cause heart attacks and strokes.
Weight Loss
Following a healthy diet can help you reach or maintain a healthy weight, and this may reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease and other health conditions, including high cholesterol, diabetes and strokes. You have many options to help you reach your goal weight, and these include medications, surgery or special diets such as low-carbohydrate diets. In most cases, your doctor will recommend an eating plan that will help you choose healthy, low-fat options from a wide variety of foods. She may also recommend that have daily physical movement such as a walk in the evening.
You should not use any diet pill or other diet supplements before consulting your doctor since these products may interact with Plavix and result in complications.
Side Effects
Plavix will not have a direct effect on weight loss, but if you increase your level of physical activity you should know that the blood-thinning effects of Plavix could increase your risk for internal bleeding. Talk to your doctor about your activities, and she will help you determine if you should make changes to your routine.
This medication may also result in other side effects. These possible complications include headaches, tiredness, abdominal pain and upset stomach. More serious reactions may also occur, such as vision loss, weakness in extremities, change in heart rate and difficulty breathing. Inform your doctor immediately if you have any unusual symptoms that may stem from Plavix use.
Considerations
You should not begin any weight loss program or change your level of physical activity without first consulting your doctor. He will help you create a plan so that you can safely reach your goal weight and improve your overall health.
Continue taking Plavix and all other medications even after you achieve your weight loss goals. At your next appointment your doctor will evaluate your weight and overall health and determine if you can eliminate or reduce the amount of the medication you take.
Member Comments