Why Plavix is Essential for Patients with Stents or Recent Surgeries
01/28/2025
Gradual plaque disposition in the arteries constricts the arteries and limits the supply of blood to the heart. With reduced blood supply, the heart muscles do not get enough oxygen supply, and they begin to die, thus causing stroke and heart attack. In the US, every 40 seconds, someone experiences a heart attack (myocardial infarction). There are also people who have had an attack but are unaware of it. Heart disease is the major cause of mortality in both men and women. As per the 2022 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every five deaths in the US were linked to heart disease. Amongst the heart diseases, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the most common type. Around 5% of the adults who are 20 and above suffer from CAD. There could be various risk factors contributing to heart diseases, such as genetic defects, hypertension, high cholesterol levels, smoking, and poor diet and lifestyle.
Eating healthy and staying physically active helps minimize the risk of heart disease. You must see a healthcare professional immediately upon witnessing chest pain, breathing issues, or dizziness since time plays a crucial role in the event of heart disease. Your doctor will recommend medication after determining the root cause for the condition and your existing health condition. Some people may even have to undergo surgery or have a stent implanted, but then that’s circumstantial. One of the most prescribed medicines for heart disease is Plavix. However, before you buy Plavix 75mg tablets online in Canada, you must check with your doctor if it aligns with your condition. In the blog, we will learn how Plavix can be useful for people with heart disease and other useful information linked with it.
Let’s Know Plavix
Plavix is an FDA-approved prescription medication for various heart diseases. Its active component is Clopidogrel, which belongs to the group of drugs called antiplatelets. Antiplatelets are drugs that help prevent platelets from sticking together and forming clots. Clopidogrel may be prescribed independently or in combination with other medications to address various conditions such as stroke, heart attack, and excessive chest pain. Plavix may also be prescribed for addressing ischemic stroke. However, before Plavix can treat the condition, the body must convert clopidogrel to its active form. Some people are unable to convert this medicine to its active form, which is why it comes with a “Black Box” warning about its reduced efficacy. For such people, the doctor may prescribe other medications.
Clopidogrel is available as oral tablets in 75mg, 150mg and 300mg. The starting dose or loading dose is 300mg, after which you might be prescribed 75mg, which is the lowest dosage. Your doctor will suggest the dosage based on your symptoms, age, and how your body responds to the medication.
Warning and Precautions
Before you start taking this drug, you must inform your doctor of the following to minimize the chances of any risks:
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Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any of the active or inactive ingredients of Clopidogrel. Also, let your doctor know if you have any other allergies.
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Please inform the healthcare provider of all medications you might be taking, including prescription, non-prescription, herbal medicines, and health supplements.
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Clopidogrel should not be taken by individuals who have stomach ulcers and cerebral hemorrhages (also known as Brain hemorrhages), as this drug causes extra bleeding. Also, discuss other health conditions with your healthcare provider if you have any.
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Avoid getting hurt or wounds, as Clopidogrel causes excessive bleeding.
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If you have any scheduled surgery, including dental surgery, you must inform your doctor. You might be asked to stop this medicine a few days prior to the surgery to avoid bleeding.
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Clopidogrel should only be taken if prescribed by your doctor. Do not share this medication with others even though they might have the same symptoms.
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Do not alter the dosage or terminate the treatment without checking with your doctor, as it may lead to severe outcomes such as heart attacks.
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You should inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to do the same, or are a nursing mother.
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Clopidogrel must be converted to an active form within the body to achieve the desired results. People with reduced metabolisms cannot make Clopidogrel active, so an alternate treatment might be recommended.
Side Effects of Plavix
The side effects of Plavix are categorized into two parts based on the severity of the symptoms: common and serious side effects. The common side effects would fade away on their own and do not require medical attention. However, if they persist for longer or worsen with time, you must consult your doctor. A few common side effects of Clopidogrel are mentioned below:
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Fatigue
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Headache
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Dizziness, Nausea, and Vomiting
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Stomach pain and diarrhea
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Nose bleeding
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Susceptible to wounds.
If you experience any of the serious side effects listed below, contact your healthcare expert immediately for medical attention.
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Severe allergic reactions like skin rash and swelling of the face, nose, throat, mouth, and lips.
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Throat congestion and trouble swallowing
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Breathing issues, increased heart rate
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Swollen lymph nodes
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Stomach cramps, dizziness, and lightheadedness
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Urine and stool accompanied by blood or
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Vomiting blood
The Bottom Line
Plavix is a popularly prescribed antiplatelet drug by cardiologists for minimizing the risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attacks. It is also prescribed for people who have had ischemic stroke and for other off-label usage. People with stents implanted should take this drug under an expert’s supervision. Despite the benefits of the drug, it also makes you prone to excessive bleeding. Therefore, check with your doctor before you start the treatment. Abide by your doctor’s advice and stick to the recommended treatment plan. In addition to taking medication, avoid a sedentary lifestyle, quit smoking and alcohol, and eat healthy to minimize the risk of heart disease.
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