Clopivas 75mg (Clopidogrel)

Clopivas general information

What is Clopivas used for?

Clopivas tablets 75mg are used to prevent the formation of blood clots (thrombosis) to reduce risk of heart attack (myocardial infarction) or stroke in people with cardiovascular disease, who have had a recent heart attack or stroke, or who have established peripheral artery disease (poor circulation in the legs caused by blocked arteries). It is also used treat people with unstable angina (chest pain) who are also at risk of heart attack and may be used along with aspirin, which is another anti-clotting medication.

How does Clopivas work?

Clopivas tablets 75mg contain clopidogrel, a specific and potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation (clumping), which is part of the process that leads to the formation of a blood clot (thrombosis) to plug an injured blood vessel and stop bleeding. Platelets can also be induced to aggregate when they come in contact with an atherosclerotic plaque (artery wall hardened by cholesterol build up) that has ruptured and this blood clot may end up blocking the artery cutting off blood supply to various parts of the body. If the coronary arteries (supplying blood to the heart) become blocked the heart becomes starved of oxygen which can result in a heart attack; if the arteries to the brain become blocked, oxygen starvation to the brain can cause a stroke. Clopidogrel in Clopivas tablets 75mg inhibits the binding to its receptor on platelets, of a chemical called adenosine diphosphate (ADP) that activates platelets to aggregate. This action keeps the blood flowing and reduces risk of a blood clot forming in people who have cardiovascular disease and who are at risk of heart attack or stroke.

What does Clopivas contain?

Clopivas tablets 75mg contain clopidogrel bisulfate, an inhibitor of platelet aggregation that is used to prevent the formation of blood clots in people who have cardiovascular disease and who are at risk of heart attack or stroke.

Preventing heart attack and stroke with Clopivas

Clopivas tablets 75mg contain clopidogrel, a specific and potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation (clumping), which is part of the process that leads to the formation of a blood clot (thrombosis) to plug an injured blood vessel and stop bleeding. In people with atherosclerotic arteries (artery wall hardened by cholesterol build up) there is a risk that the atherosclerotic plaque may rupture and induce platelet aggregation and clot formation, which may block the artery cutting off blood supply to the heart or brain causing a heart attack or stroke. Clopivas tablets 75mg prevent formation of blood clots and keep the blood flowing, reducing risk of heart attack or stroke in people with cardiovascular disease or peripheral artery disease.

What are the side effects of Clopivas?

The most common side effects reported when taking Clopivas tablets 75mg include abdominal pain, dyspepsia (upset stomach), diarrhoea, constipation, bleeding and bruising more than usual or increased bleeding time, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, fatigue, rash, itching, neutropenia, palpitation, syncope, asthenia, neuralgia, paresthesia (numbness or tingling) and vertigo.

When should Clopivas not be taken?

You should not use Clopivas if you:

• are allergic to clopidogrel or any ingredients in Clopivas tablets 75mg
• have liver disease
• have a medical condition that is causing bleeding such as a stomach ulcer or intracranial bleeding
• are pregnant or planning to become pregnant without discussion with your doctor
• are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed
• have any bleeding disorders, blood clotting problems, or bleeding within the eye
• have had a recent serious injury or recent surgery (including dental surgery) or are planning surgery
• are taking any medications that interact with Clopivas, including aspirin, heparins and warfarin, Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for inflammation and/or pain in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, phenytoin for epilepsy, tolbutamide for diabetes, tamoxifen for breast cancer, fluvastatin for high cholesterol.

How should Clopivas be taken?

You should take your Clopivas tablets 75mg with a glass of water, with or without food, once daily at the same time each day, for as long as recommended by your doctor.

How long should you take Clopivas?

You should continue to take your Clopivas tablets 75mg for as long as recommended by your doctor.

Missed dose of Clopivas

If you miss a dose of Clopivas tablets 75mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Clopivas be stored?

You should keep your Clopivas tablets 75mg in their blister strips until use. Store in a cool, dry place at room temperature below 25°C and protect from heat.