PLAVIX

Plavix 75 mg contains the active substance clopidogrel. It is an antiplatelet medicine used to reduce the formation of arterial blood clots in adults at increased risk of atherothrombotic events.

Clopidogrel reduces the ability of platelets to stick together. This helps prevent thrombi that may lead to myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke or other complications of atherosclerotic arterial disease.

Plavix – what is it used for and how should it be taken?

Plavix is prescribed for the secondary prevention of atherothrombotic events in adults who have had a myocardial infarction or ischaemic stroke, have established peripheral arterial disease, have an acute coronary syndrome or have undergone coronary intervention and stent placement.

In specific circumstances it may be used with acetylsalicylic acid after a transient ischaemic attack, minor ischaemic stroke or in selected patients with atrial fibrillation who cannot receive certain oral anticoagulants.

Plavix is not a home treatment for an acute heart attack or stroke. Sudden chest pain, breathlessness, facial drooping, weakness on one side or speech disturbance require emergency medical help.

Dosage and administration

The usual maintenance dose is one 75 mg tablet once daily.

• Take the tablet at approximately the same time every day.
• It may be taken with or without food.
• Swallow it whole with sufficient water.
• Continue treatment for as long as the doctor prescribes.
• Do not increase the dose or take an additional tablet for chest pain.
• Do not stop treatment simply because you feel well.

A doctor may use a loading dose in an acute coronary syndrome or certain acute cerebral ischaemic events. A loading dose must be prescribed and supervised by a doctor and is not intended for independent use.

If a dose is missed:

• if less than 12 hours have passed, take the tablet when remembered;
• if more than 12 hours have passed, skip it and take the next dose at the usual time;
• do not take a double dose.

Do not take Plavix:

• if you are allergic to clopidogrel or another ingredient;
• if you currently have active bleeding, such as bleeding from a stomach ulcer or bleeding in the brain;
• if you have severe liver disease.

Special precautions

Tell the doctor about a stomach or intestinal ulcer, previous bleeding, a blood disorder, a recent serious injury or operation, planned surgery or dental work, a recent ischaemic stroke or kidney or liver disease.

Cuts may take longer than usual to stop bleeding. Minor prolongation may be expected, but heavy, spontaneous, unusual or persistent bleeding requires medical assessment.

Interactions

Important interactions may occur with oral anticoagulants, heparin, acetylsalicylic acid, other antiplatelet medicines, NSAID painkillers, serotonin reuptake inhibitors, omeprazole, esomeprazole, fluconazole, voriconazole, carbamazepine, moclobemide, repaglinide, paclitaxel and opioid pain medicines.

Omeprazole and esomeprazole may reduce activation of clopidogrel. A stomach-protection medicine should not be independently started or changed.

Acetylsalicylic acid is intentionally prescribed with clopidogrel in certain conditions. Do not independently start or stop this combination.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Clopidogrel is not generally recommended during pregnancy without a clear medical assessment. Breastfeeding should be discontinued during treatment unless the doctor determines otherwise.

Possible side effects

The most important and most frequently reported adverse effect is bleeding. This may include bruising, nosebleeds, prolonged bleeding from a cut, blood in the urine or bleeding from the stomach or intestines.

Other common effects include diarrhoea, abdominal pain, indigestion and heartburn. Headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, rash, itching, stomach ulcer and tingling may also occur.

Storage

• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Follow the storage conditions printed on the particular pack.
• PVC/PVDC/aluminium blister packs should be stored below 30°C.
• Al-Al blister packs do not require special storage conditions.
• Do not use after the expiry date.

Composition

Each tablet contains 75 mg of clopidogrel as clopidogrel hydrogen sulphate. The tablet contains lactose and hydrogenated castor oil.

Related food supplements for general nutritional support:

• Alkakaps Coenzyme Q10 – 30 capsules
• SANAT Coenzyme Q10 60 mg – 30 capsules
• Zdravlje Pharm Vitamin D3 1000 IU – 30 capsules

Important: ginkgo, concentrated garlic, nattokinase, serrapeptase, curcumin, high-dose vitamin E and high-dose omega-3 products should not be automatically recommended with Plavix because they may further affect bleeding.

Official sources:

• ALIMS – Patient Information Leaflet
• ALIMS – Summary of Product Characteristics

Summary of Product Characteristics revised in April 2024. Information reviewed on 2 August 2026.