Plavix

Clopidogrel is used alone or with aspirin to prevent serious or life-threatening problems with the heart and blood vessels in people who have had a stroke, heart attack, or severe chest pain. This includes people who have percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI; angioplasty; a type of heart surgery) that may involve inserting coronary stents (metal tubes surgically placed in clogged blood vessels to improve blood flow) or who have coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG; a type of heart surgery). Clopidogrel is also used to prevent serious or life-threatening problems with the heart and blood vessels in people who have peripheral arterial disease (poor circulation in the blood vessels that supply blood to the legs). Clopidogrel is in a class of medications called antiplatelet medications. It works by preventing platelets (a type of blood cell) from collecting and forming clots that may cause a heart attack or stroke.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

WARNING: DIMINISHED EFFECTIVENESS IN POOR METABOLIZERS  

The effectiveness of Plavix is dependent on its activation to an active metabolite by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) system, principally CYP2C19. Plavix at recommended doses forms less of that metabolite and has a smaller effect on platelet function in patients who are CYP2C19 poor metabolizers. Poor metabolizers with acute coronary syndrome or undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention treated with Plavix at recommended doses exhibit higher cardiovascular event rates than do patients with normal CYP2C19 function. Tests are available to identify a patient's CYP2C19 genotype; these tests can be used as an aid in determining therapeutic strategy. Consider alternative treatment or treatment strategies in patients identified as CYP2C19 poor metabolizers.

Reduction of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Events

Reduction of the risk of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events (new MI, new ischemic stroke, and vascular death) in patients with a history of recent MI, recent ischemic stroke, or established peripheral arterial disease.1 2 6 8 23 1009 1010 1011

The American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) recommends long-term antiplatelet therapy with either aspirin or clopidogrel in patients with established CAD.1010 Because of cost considerations, clopidogrel generally recommended as an alternative to aspirin in those with aspirin intolerance or contraindications (e.g., allergy).5 6 20 23 992

ACCP, the American Stroke Association (ASA), and AHA consider clopidogrel an acceptable antiplatelet therapy for secondary prevention of noncardioembolic ischemic stroke or TIAs; other options include aspirin monotherapy, cilostazol, or the combination of aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole.990 1009

Oral anticoagulation (e.g., warfarin, dabigatran) rather than antiplatelet therapy is recommended in patients with a history of ischemic stroke or TIA and concurrent atrial fibrillation; however, in patients who cannot take or choose not to take oral anticoagulants (e.g., those with difficulty maintaining stable INRs, compliance issues, dietary restrictions, cost limitations), dual antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin is recommended.1009

Recommended by ACCP and other experts as an acceptable antiplatelet therapy for secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease,992 1011 1017 including those with intermittent claudication and those undergoing revascularization procedures (peripheral artery percutaneous transluminal angioplasty or peripheral artery bypass graft surgery, carotid endarterectomy).1011

Recommended by ACCP as an option for long-term antiplatelet therapy in patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis†, including in patients who are intolerant of aspirin and those who have undergone recent carotid endarterectomy.1011 1017

ACS: Unstable Angina/Non-ST-Segment Elevation MI (NSTEMI)

Used in combination with aspirin for reduction of the risk of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events in patients with non-ST-segment elevation ACS (NSTE ACS), including unstable angina and NSTEMI.1 5 18 35 992 993 994 1010 Used in patients who are managed medically or with coronary intervention (e.g., PCI with or without coronary artery stenting, CABG).1 5 18 35 992 993 994 1010

Dual-drug antiplatelet therapy with a P2Y12-receptor antagonist and aspirin is considered part of the current standard of care in patients with ACS.991 992 993 994 1010 The American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF), AHA, and other experts recommend antiplatelet therapy with a P2Y12-receptor antagonist (clopidogrel, prasugrel, or ticagrelor) in conjunction with aspirin for treatment and secondary prevention in patients with ACS, including those undergoing PCI.991 992 993 994 1010

Ticagrelor or clopidogrel generally is recommended in patients treated medically without stent placement; ticagrelor, clopidogrel, or prasugrel is recommended in patients undergoing PCI with stent placement (bare-metal or drug-eluting).992 993 994 1010

Experts generally recommend continuing treatment with a P2Y12-receptor antagonist for up to 12 months in patients managed medically without stenting and ≥12 months in those with coronary artery stents (bare-metal or drug-eluting); continue aspirin therapy indefinitely.992 993 994 1010 (See Risks of Premature Discontinuance of Therapy under Cautions.)

ACCP suggests use of ticagrelor over clopidogrel in patients with ACS, regardless of whether PCI is performed; other expert guidelines make no specific recommendations regarding P2Y12-receptor antagonist of choice.992 993 994 1010 When selecting an appropriate antiplatelet regimen, consider individual patient (e.g., ischemic and bleeding risk) and drug-related (e.g., adverse effects, drug interaction potential) factors.140 141

Efficacy of pretreatment with clopidogrel prior to diagnostic cardiac catheterization is controversial; balance potential benefit of pretreatment against increased risk of bleeding should emergency CABG be needed.35 994

Temporarily discontinue therapy ≥5 days prior to CABG.1 35 40 1004

ACS: ST-Segment Elevation MI (STEMI)

Used in combination with aspirin for reduction of the rate of ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in patients with STEMI.1 31 36 134

Experts recommend treatment for 14–28 days in addition to aspirin, with or without reperfusion therapy (i.e., thrombolytic therapy, primary PCI†), in patients with suspected STEMI.68

In patients in whom CABG is planned, withhold clopidogrel for ≥5 days prior to surgery.1004

In patients with STEMI in whom PCI is planned†, experts recommend a loading dose of a P2Y12-receptor antagonist (e.g., clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticagrelor) before or at the time of PCI in conjunction with aspirin therapy.994

Continue therapy for ≥12 months after stent implantation (bare-metal or drug-eluting), unless risk of bleeding outweighs anticipated net benefit; continue aspirin therapy indefinitely.992 993 994 (See Risks of Premature Discontinuance of Therapy under Cautions.)

The addition of warfarin to antiplatelet therapy is recommended in STEMI patients who have indications for anticoagulation (e.g., atrial fibrillation, left ventricular dysfunction, cerebral emboli, extensive wall-motion abnormality, mechanical heart valves).993 1007 1010

Triple antithrombotic therapy† with clopidogrel, low-dose aspirin, and warfarin (target INR 2–3) is suggested by ACCP in patients with anterior MI and left ventricular thrombus (or at high risk for such thrombi) undergoing stent implantation; recommended duration of triple antithrombotic therapy is dependent on whether patient has a bare-metal or drug-eluting stent.1010

Suggested by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) as alternative to aspirin for primary prevention of MI† in aspirin-allergic patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus who are at high risk for cardiovascular events (i.e., family history of CHD, smoking, hypertension, obesity, albuminuria, elevated blood cholesterol or triglyceride concentrations).95

Stent Thrombosis

Has been used in combination with aspirin (dual-drug therapy) to prevent stent thrombosis following implantation of coronary artery stents†.43 44 45 46 50 51 52 54 134 992 993 994 1010

Current expert guidelines recommend such dual-drug therapy for ≥12 months in patients with any type of coronary artery stent (bare-metal or drug-eluting).993 994 1010

Some evidence suggests benefits of an even longer duration of dual-drug antiplatelet therapy (e.g., at least 30 months), but such prolonged therapy has been associated with an increased risk of bleeding.1019

Chronic Stable Angina

May be used as an alternative to aspirin in patients with symptomatic chronic stable angina who cannot tolerate aspirin†.96

Embolism Associated with Atrial Fibrillation and/or Valvular Heart Disease

Has been used in combination with aspirin as an alternative to warfarin for prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation†.995 997 1007

In patients with atrial fibrillation at increased risk of stroke who cannot or choose not to take oral anticoagulants for reasons other than concerns about major bleeding (e.g., those with difficulty maintaining stable INRs, compliance issues, dietary restrictions, cost limitations), combination therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin rather than aspirin alone is recommended.998 1007

In patients with atrial fibrillation and mitral stenosis† who cannot or choose not to take warfarin therapy for reasons other than concerns about major bleeding, ACCP recommends combination therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin rather than aspirin alone.1007

Antithrombotic therapy of atrial flutter generally managed in same manner as atrial fibrillation.999 1007

Storage

Oral

25°C (may be exposed to 15–30 °C).1

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.
• Talk with the doctor before starting any new drug, including prescription or OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• This medicine comes with an extra patient fact sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it with care. Read it again each time Plavix is refilled. If you have any questions about this medicine, please talk with the doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take Plavix (clopidogrel) or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to Plavix. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

Review Date: October 4, 2017

Diminished Antiplatelet Activity in Patients with Impaired CYP2C19 Function

Clopidogrel is a prodrug. Inhibition of platelet aggregation by clopidogrel is achieved through an active metabolite. The metabolism of clopidogrel to its active metabolite can be impaired by genetic variations in CYP2C19 [see Boxed Warning].

The metabolism of clopidogrel can also be impaired by drugs that inhibit CYP2C19, such as omeprazole or esomeprazole. Avoid concomitant use of Plavix with omeprazole or esomeprazole because both significantly reduce the antiplatelet activity of Plavix [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].

General Risk of Bleeding

Thienopyridines, including Plavix, increase the risk of bleeding.

Thienopyridines inhibit platelet aggregation for the lifetime of the platelet (7–10 days). Because the half-life of clopidogrel's active metabolite is short, it may be possible to restore hemostasis by administering exogenous platelets; however, platelet transfusions within 4 hours of the loading dose or 2 hours of the maintenance dose may be less effective.

Discontinuation of Plavix

Discontinuation of Plavix increases the risk of cardiovascular events. If Plavix must be temporarily discontinued (e.g., to treat bleeding or for surgery with a major risk of bleeding), restart it as soon as possible. When possible, interrupt therapy with Plavix for five days prior to such surgery. Resume Plavix as soon as hemostasis is achieved.

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP)

TTP, sometimes fatal, has been reported following use of Plavix, sometimes after a short exposure (<2 weeks). TTP is a serious condition that requires urgent treatment including plasmapheresis (plasma exchange). It is characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (schistocytes [fragmented RBCs] seen on peripheral smear), neurological findings, renal dysfunction, and fever [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].

Cross-Reactivity among Thienopyridines

Hypersensitivity including rash, angioedema or hematologic reaction have been reported in patients receiving Plavix, including patients with a history of hypersensitivity or hematologic reaction to other thienopyridines [see Contraindications (4.2) and Adverse Reactions (6.2)].

The following serious adverse reactions are discussed below and elsewhere in the labeling:

• Bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
• Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]

Clinical Studies Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions and durations of follow up, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

Plavix has been evaluated for safety in more than 54,000 patients, including over 21,000 patients treated for one year or more. The clinically important adverse reactions observed in trials comparing Plavix plus aspirin to placebo plus aspirin and trials comparing Plavix alone to aspirin alone are discussed below.

Bleeding

CURE

In CURE, Plavix use with aspirin was associated with an increase in major bleeding (primarily gastrointestinal and at puncture sites) compared to placebo with aspirin (see Table 1). The incidence of intracranial hemorrhage (0.1%) and fatal bleeding (0.2%) were the same in both groups. Other bleeding events that were reported more frequently in the clopidogrel group were epistaxis, hematuria, and bruise.

The overall incidence of bleeding is described in Table 1.

COMMIT

In COMMIT, similar rates of major bleeding were observed in the Plavix and placebo groups, both of which also received aspirin (see Table 2).

CAPRIE (Plavix vs. Aspirin)

In CAPRIE, gastrointestinal hemorrhage occurred at a rate of 2.0% in those taking Plavix vs. 2.7% in those taking aspirin; bleeding requiring hospitalization occurred in 0.7% and 1.1%, respectively. The incidence of intracranial hemorrhage was 0.4% for Plavix compared to 0.5% for aspirin.

Other bleeding events that were reported more frequently in the Plavix group were epistaxis and hematoma.

Other Adverse Events

In CURE and CHARISMA, which compared Plavix plus aspirin to aspirin alone, there was no difference in the rate of adverse events (other than bleeding) between Plavix and placebo.

In CAPRIE, which compared Plavix to aspirin, pruritus was more frequently reported in those taking Plavix. No other difference in the rate of adverse events (other than bleeding) was reported.

Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of Plavix. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of an unknown size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Hemorrhages, including those with fatal outcome, have been reported in patients treated with Plavix.

• Blood and lymphatic system disorders: Agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia/pancytopenia, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), acquired hemophilia A
• Gastrointestinal disorders: Colitis (including ulcerative or lymphocytic colitis), pancreatitis, stomatitis, gastric/duodenal ulcer, diarrhea
• General disorders and administration site condition: Fever
• Hepato-biliary disorders: Acute liver failure, hepatitis (non-infectious), abnormal liver function test
• Immune system disorders: Hypersensitivity reactions, anaphylactoid reactions, serum sickness
• Musculoskeletal, connective tissue and bone disorders: Myalgia, arthralgia, arthritis
• Nervous system disorders: Taste disorders, headache
• Psychiatric disorders: Confusion, hallucinations
• Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: Bronchospasm, interstitial pneumonitis, eosinophilic pneumonia
• Renal and urinary disorders: Increased creatinine levels
• Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Maculopapular, erythematous or exfoliative rash, urticaria, bullous dermatitis, eczema, toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), angioedema, drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome, drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), erythema multiforme, lichen planus, generalized pruritus
• Vascular disorders: Vasculitis, hypotension

Acute Coronary Syndrome

CURE

The CURE study included 12,562 patients with ACS without ST-elevation (UA or NSTEMI) and presenting within 24 hours of onset of the most recent episode of chest pain or symptoms consistent with ischemia. Patients were required to have either ECG changes compatible with new ischemia (without ST-elevation) or elevated cardiac enzymes or troponin I or T to at least twice the upper limit of normal.

Patients were randomized to receive Plavix (300-mg loading dose followed by 75 mg once daily) or placebo, and were treated for up to one year. Patients also received aspirin (75–325 mg once daily) and other standard therapies such as heparin. The use of GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors was not permitted for three days prior to randomization.

The patient population was largely White (82%) and included 38% women, and 52% age ≥ 65 years of age. Only about 20% of patients underwent revascularization during the initial hospitalization and few underwent emergent or urgent revascularization.

The number of patients experiencing the primary outcome (CV death, MI, or stroke) was 582 (9.3%) in the Plavix-treated group and 719 (11.4%) in the placebo-treated group, a 20% relative risk reduction (95% CI of 10%–28%; p < 0.001) for the Plavix-treated group (see Table 4).

Most of the benefit of Plavix occurred in the first two months, but the difference from placebo was maintained throughout the course of the trial (up to 12 months) (see Figure 2).

The effect of Plavix did not differ significantly in various subgroups, as shown in Figure 3. The benefits associated with Plavix were independent of the use of other acute and long-term cardiovascular therapies, including heparin/LMWH, intravenous glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa) inhibitors, lipid-lowering drugs, beta-blockers, and ACE-inhibitors. The efficacy of Plavix was observed independently of the dose of aspirin (75–325 mg once daily). The use of oral anticoagulants, non-study antiplatelet drugs, and chronic NSAIDs was not allowed in CURE.

The use of Plavix in CURE was associated with a decrease in the use of thrombolytic therapy (71 patients [1.1%] in the Plavix group, 126 patients [2.0%] in the placebo group; relative risk reduction of 43%), and GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors (369 patients [5.9%] in the Plavix group, 454 patients [7.2%] in the placebo group, relative risk reduction of 18%). The use of Plavix in CURE did not affect the number of patients treated with CABG or PCI (with or without stenting), (2253 patients [36.0%] in the Plavix group, 2324 patients [36.9%] in the placebo group; relative risk reduction of 4.0%).

COMMIT

In patients with STEMI, the safety and efficacy of Plavix were evaluated in the randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, COMMIT. COMMIT included 45,852 patients presenting within 24 hours of the onset of the symptoms of myocardial infarction with supporting ECG abnormalities (i.e., ST-elevation, ST-depression or left bundle-branch block). Patients were randomized to receive Plavix (75 mg once daily) or placebo, in combination with aspirin (162 mg per day), for 28 days or until hospital discharge, whichever came first.

The primary endpoints were death from any cause and the first occurrence of re-infarction, stroke or death.

The patient population was 28% women and 58% age ≥ 60 years (26% age ≥ 70 years). Fifty-five percent (55%) of patients received thrombolytics and only 3% underwent PCI.

As shown in Table 5 and Figure 4 and Figure 5 below, Plavix significantly reduced the relative risk of death from any cause by 7% (p=0.029), and the relative risk of the combination of re-infarction, stroke or death by 9% (p=0.002).

The effect of Plavix did not differ significantly in various pre-specified subgroups as shown in Figure 6. The effect was also similar in non-prespecified subgroups including those based on infarct location, Killip class or prior MI history. Such subgroup analyses should be interpreted cautiously.

Recent Myocardial Infarction, Recent Stroke, or Established Peripheral Arterial Disease

CAPRIE

The CAPRIE trial was a 19,185-patient, 304-center, international, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study comparing Plavix (75 mg daily) to aspirin (325 mg daily). To be eligible to enroll, patients had to have: 1) recent history of myocardial infarction (within 35 days); 2) recent histories of ischemic stroke (within 6 months) with at least a week of residual neurological signs; and/or 3) established peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Patients received randomized treatment for an average of 1.6 years (maximum of 3 years).

The trial's primary outcome was the time to first occurrence of new ischemic stroke (fatal or not), new myocardial infarction (fatal or not), or other vascular death. Deaths not easily attributable to nonvascular causes were all classified as vascular.

As shown in Table 6, Plavix was associated with a lower incidence of outcome events, primarily MI. The overall relative risk reduction (9.8% vs. 10.6%) was 8.7%, p=0.045. Similar results were obtained when all-cause mortality and all-cause strokes were counted instead of vascular mortality and ischemic strokes (risk reduction 6.9%). In patients who survived an on-study stroke or myocardial infarction, the incidence of subsequent events was lower in the Plavix group.

The curves showing the overall event rate are shown in Figure 7. The event curves separated early and continued to diverge over the 3-year follow-up period.

The statistical significance favoring Plavix over aspirin was marginal (p=0.045). However, because aspirin is itself effective in reducing cardiovascular events in patients with recent myocardial infarction or stroke, the effect of Plavix is substantial.

The CAPRIE trial enrolled a population that had recent MI, recent stroke, or PAD. The efficacy of Plavix relative to aspirin was heterogeneous across these subgroups (p=0.043) (see Figure 8). Nonetheless this difference may be a chance occurrence because the CAPRIE trial was not designed to evaluate the relative benefit of Plavix over aspirin in the individual patient subgroups. The benefit was most apparent in patients who were enrolled because of peripheral arterial disease and less apparent in stroke patients. In patients who were enrolled in the trial on the sole basis of a recent myocardial infarction, Plavix was not numerically superior to aspirin.

No Demonstrated Benefit of Plavix plus Aspirin in Patients with Multiple Risk Factors or Established Vascular Disease

CHARISMA

The CHARISMA trial was a 15,603 subject, randomized, double-blind, parallel group study comparing Plavix (75 mg daily) to placebo for prevention of ischemic events in patients with vascular disease or multiple risk factors for atherosclerosis. All subjects were treated with aspirin 75–162 mg daily. The mean duration of treatment was 23 months. The study failed to demonstrate a reduction in the occurrence of the primary endpoint, a composite of CV death, MI, or stroke. A total of 534 (6.9%) patients in the Plavix group versus 573 (7.4%) patients in the placebo group experienced a primary outcome event (p=0.22). Bleeding of all severities was more common in the subjects randomized to Plavix.

Plavix keeps your blood from coagulating (clotting) to prevent unwanted blood clots that can occur with certain heart or blood vessel conditions. Because of this drug action, Plavix can make it easier for you to bleed, even from a minor injury.

Your doctor will perform blood tests to make sure you do not have certain genetic conditions that would prevent you from safely using Plavix.

You should not use Plavix if you have any active bleeding such as a stomach ulcer or bleeding in the brain (such as from a head injury).

Plavix increases your risk of bleeding, which can be severe or life-threatening. Call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have bleeding that will not stop, if you have blood in your urine, black or bloody stools, or if you cough up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

If you need surgery or dental work, tell the surgeon or dentist ahead of time that you take Plavix.

You should not use Plavix if you are allergic to clopidogrel, or if you have any active bleeding such as a stomach ulcer or bleeding in the brain (such as from a head injury).

Some medicines can interact with clopidogrel and should not be used at the same time. Your doctor may need to change your treatment plan if you also take other medicines, especially certain stomach acid reducers (esomeprazole, omeprazole, Nexium, Prilosec).

To make sure Plavix is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, such as TTP (thrombocytopenic purpura) or hemophilia;

• a history of stroke, including TIA ("mini-stroke");

• a stomach ulcer or ulcerative colitis;

• kidney disease; or

• if you are allergic to medicines like clopidogrel, such as prasugrel, ticagrelor, or ticlopidine.

Plavix is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether clopidogrel passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Applies to clopidogrel: oral tablet

General

The most commonly reported adverse effect was bleeding, including life threatening and fatal bleeding.[Ref]

Hematologic

In the COMMIT study (n=45,852), the incidence of major non-cerebral or cerebral bleeding was 0.6% in clopidogrel (the active ingredient contained in Plavix) plus aspirin treated patients, with 0.4% classified as major non-cerebral (0.2% fatal) and 0.2% as hemorrhagic stroke (0.2% fatal). Non-major noncerebral bleeding or any noncerebral bleeding occurred in 3.6% and 3.9% of patients receiving this drug plus aspirin, respectively. Major bleeds were defined as cerebral bleeds or non-cerebral bleeds thought to have caused death or that required transfusion.

In the CURE study (n=12,562), the incidence of fatal bleeding (0.2%) and intracranial hemorrhage (0.1%) was the same between clopidogrel with aspirin and placebo with aspirin groups.[Ref]

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Fatal bleeding, eosinophilia, leucopenia, increased bleeding time, thrombocytopenia
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Neutropenia
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Decreased platelet count
Postmarketing reports: Serious cases of bleeding (mainly skin), hemarthrosis, hematoma, hemorrhage of operative wound, fatal hemorrhage (intracranial, gastrointestinal, and retroperitoneal), thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), acquired hemophilia A, aplastic anemia, pancytopenia, agranulocytosis, granulocytopenia, anemia[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

In the CAPRIE study (n=19,185), gastrointestinal hemorrhage occurred in 2% of patients taking clopidogrel (the active ingredient contained in Plavix) compared to 2.7% taking aspirin. Bleeding requiring hospitalization occurred in 0.7% clopidogrel-treated and 1.1% aspirin-treated patients.[Ref]

Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, dyspepsia, diarrhea, nausea, gastritis
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vomiting, flatulence, constipation, gastric, peptic, or duodenal ulcer
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Retroperitoneal hemorrhage
Postmarketing reports: Colitis (ulcerative or lymphocytic), pancreatitis, stomatitis[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Postmarketing reports: Angioedema, anaphylactic reactions, cross reactive hypersensitivity among thienopyridines (e.g. ticlopidine, prasugrel), hypersensitivity reactions[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Common (1% to 10%): Chest pain, hypertension, angina pectoris, coronary artery disorder, peripheral ischemia
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Hematoma
Postmarketing reports: Hypotension, syncope, vasculitis[Ref]

Nervous system

Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, headache
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Paresthesia
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Vertigo, intracranial hemorrhage
Postmarketing reports: Taste disturbances[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Common (1% to 10%): Arthralgia, back pain
Postmarketing reports: Arthritis, myalgia, musculoskeletal bleeding[Ref]

Psychiatric

Common (1% to 10%): Depression
Postmarketing reports: Hallucinations, confusion[Ref]

Respiratory

Common (1% to 10%): Upper respiratory tract infection, dyspnea, rhinitis, coughing, bronchitis, epistaxis
Postmarketing reports: Bronchospasm, interstitial pneumonitis, eosinophilic pneumonia, respiratory tract bleeding (hemoptysis, pulmonary hemorrhage)[Ref]

Dermatologic

Common (1% to 10%): Rash, purpura, pruritus, bruising
Postmarketing reports: Maculopapular, erythematous, or exfoliative rash, urticaria, bullous dermatitis, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome, drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), eczema, lichen planus[Ref]

In CAPRIE (n=19,185), 4.2% of patients receiving clopidogrel developed a rash compared to 3.5% in the aspirin group. In CURE (n=12,562), 1.3% treated with clopidogrel and aspirin compared to 1.1% placebo, as well as 0.7% of patients in CLARITY (n=3491) reported a rash. Drug discontinuation due to skin disorders in CAPRIE was 0.8% and in CURE 0.4% of patients.[Ref]

Hepatic

Postmarketing reports: Hepatitis (noninfectious), acute liver failure, abnormal liver function tests[Ref]

Metabolic

Common (1% to 10%): Hypercholesterolemia[Ref]

Genitourinary

Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection
Postmarketing reports: Hematuria[Ref]

Ocular

Postmarketing reports: Eye bleeds (conjunctival, ocular, retinal)[Ref]

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Accidental/inflicted injury, influenza-like symptoms, pain, fatigue, infection
Postmarketing reports: Fever[Ref]

Renal

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hematuria
Postmarketing reports: Glomerulopathy, serum creatinine increase[Ref]

Immunologic

Postmarketing reports: Serum sickness[Ref]

Endocrine

Postmarketing reports: Gynecomastia[Ref]

Local

Common (1% to 10%): Puncture site bleeding[Ref]

Some side effects of Plavix may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

• Plavix may be used for the treatment of unstable angina and for certain types of heart attack (myocardial infarction) to reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack. Plavix should be administered in conjunction with aspirin.
• May also be given to people with established peripheral arterial disease or with a recent history of heart attacks or stroke to reduce the risk of a further heart attack or stroke.
• Can be administered as a loading dose (a bigger than normal, one-off dose) if an antiplatelet effect is needed within hours. Otherwise, it takes several days for the full antiplatelet effect of Plavix to develop with usual dosages.
• The dosage of Plavix does not need adjusting in people with liver disease.
• Plavix is available as a generic under the name clopidogrel.