Plavix (Clopidogrel) for Heart Disease

Overview
Plavix is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acute coronary syndrome, peripheral arterial disease, and recent myocardial infarction or stroke. Plavix is also referred to by its drug name, Clopidogrel.

Plavix is an anticoagulant, or blood thinner. It is believed that Plavix works by inhibiting platelets from forming clots.

How do I take it?
Plavix is generally taken once daily.

Plavix comes in tablet form.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Plavix lists common side effects including bleeding.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Plavix can include thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (a rare blood disorder) and increased risk for bleeding.

For more details about this treatment, visit:
Plavix prescribing information (PDF) – Bristol-Myers Squibb
http://packageinserts.bms.com/pi/pi_plavix.pdf