Precautions and Warnings for Clopidogrel (Cont.)

Some Precautions and Warnings for Clopidogrel

Some precautions and warnings for clopidogrel include the following:
 
  • Clopidogrel can interact with certain medications (see Drug Interactions With Clopidogrel).
     
  • Clopidogrel is considered a pregnancy category B drug. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. However, be sure to discuss your pregnancy with your healthcare provider before using clopidogrel.
     
  • If you are nursing or plan to nurse, it is not known if clopidogrel passes through your milk. Therefore, if you are taking clopidogrel, it is recommended that you not take clopidogrel until you discuss it with your doctor.
     
  • If you take clopidogrel and aspirin, you increase your risk of bruising or bleeding more easily.
     
  • People taking clopidogrel may be at increased risk for developing a rare condition called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, or TTP for short. This is a condition that can be fatal if not treated. If you notice that it takes longer to stop bleeding or if you have purplish discolorations on your skin, fever, headache, or shortness of breath, call your healthcare provider.
     

Who Should Not Take Clopidogrel?

You should not take clopidogrel if:
 
  • You are allergic to clopidogrel or any component of clopidogrel bisulfate (Plavix). Your healthcare provider or pharmacist has a list of the inactive ingredients.
     
  • You have an active bleeding condition, such as a stomach ulcer or bleeding within the head.
     

Precautions and Warnings for Clopidogrel: Summary

There are a number of situations where clopidogrel should not be taken, along with a number of precautions and warnings people should be aware of with this drug. However, it is possible that not all the warnings or precautions for clopidogrel were discussed in this article. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider about the precautions and warnings that may apply to you.
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;