Get Informed: Plavix
Active Ingredient(s)
Clopidogrel
What does it do?
This product is primarily used in patients with a past history of heart disease, peripheral vascular disease and stroke to reduce the risk of developing further cardiovascular problems. It works by reducing platelet clotting activity and helps to prevent clots.
- Last Text Update:
- 2010-Mar-20 6:06 PM
- Last Data Update:
- 2010-Mar-19 9:03 PM
Other Names
- Plavix
- Clopidogrel
How Safe Is It?
- Your Risk Rating
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- Average Risk Rating
-
- Pregnancy Category:
- B
Black Box Warning
This product has a boxed warning relating to decreased efficacy in people who are "poor metabolizers" and recommendations for genetic testing to determine metabolizer status.
Facts & Figures
- Date Approved
- 17 Nov 1997
- Est US Patients*
- 3,366,000
- Generic Available
- No
- OTC Available
- No
User Age Distribution*
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
* Estimated number of US people currently taking Plavix or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.org.
Plavix Safety Report
Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings
- Please login or register (it's free) so iGuard can check how Plavix interacts with other drugs and diseases in your profile.
What is Plavix used for?
iGuard is currently tracking more than 22,400 patients that use Plavix (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.
| Disease / Condition | % | Average Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Thinners | 98% | 
|
| Heart Disease/Stroke Prevention | 96% |
|
| Stroke Prevention | 11% |
|
| Prevent Stent Blockage | 6% |
|
| Other | 2% |
|
How well does Plavix work?
iGuard regularly polls our more than 22,400 users taking Plavix (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM) . This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iguard.org.
Average Satisfaction Score
(out of 10)
Average Effectiveness Score
(out of 10)
- 80%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Plavix outweigh the bad things.
- 15%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Plavix.
Common Side Effects of Plavix
iGuard regularly polls our more than 22,400 users taking Plavix (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.
25% of patients experience side-effects on Plavix
2% of patients experience signifcant side-effects on Plavix
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Bruising
-
Bleeding
-
= 10%
Less than 1%: Abdo Pain/Cramps, Anemia, Breathlessness, Chest Pain/Tightness, Cold Sensitivity, Diarrhea, Drowsiness, Dryness, Erectile Problems, Eye Irritation, Fatigue, Gout, Headache, Heartburn/Reflux, Increased Infections, Itch/Rash, Muscle Pain/Cramps, Nose Bleeds, Palpitations
Global Patient Feedback for Plavix (Clopidogrel) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I had 3 major arteries stented in 2007. I'm afraid to back off on the Plavix. Everything I bump into causes bruising. I also have such debilitating foot and leg pain that I can barely walk. I'm afraid to stop the Plavix. Have I been on it long enough or will my arteries begin to clot if I stop taking it.
77 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-02-15 14:14:52
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Speak with your doctor, as you should never stop any medication without checking with your doctor. The side effects could be from the Plavix, but your doctor may want to do bloodwork to make sure nothing else is going on. If the side effects are so debilitating, your doctor needs to evaluate your therapy. It depends on your bloodwork and history if you have been on it for an adequate amount of time.
Posted: 2010-02-17 22:04:25
Question/Comment:
Iam glad I stay in SCOTLAND where over 60 year old women and 65 year old men get free precriptions for all medications.Reading these enquiries make me proud of old britain
71 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-02-03 14:48:42
Question/Comment:
I was switched from Crestor to Zetia which seems to have been helpful due to leg pain. I still have some pain, but not as pronounced. But with my restleg syndrone and three bulging discs in my back sometimes I am not really sure what is causing the pain.
64 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-01-22 14:24:16
Question/Comment:
my husband is 61years old he had 2 strokes inthe past month they give him plavix in hospital we have no insurance no job he can not work he can not walk without falling who can help him get plavix?i am so afraid he will jhave another stroke he has no medication please let me know who can help.
57 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-11-23 23:09:46
iGuard Answer/Reply:
https://www.pparx.org/ is a website with information on different ways to apply for and receive prescription assistance for many different medicines. You can also contact your state's health department to see if there are any programs available in your area to help you and your husband get the medical care and medicines you need.
Posted: 2009-11-25 22:41:03
Answer/Reply:
Check with the Department of Human Services in your city/state to see if he can qualify for some form of Medicaid. Each state is different. He may also be able to qualify for disability benefits through Social Security. Call your local Social Security Office or go to the Social Security web site on-line. There is a questionaire you can complete which will let you know what kind of benefit(s) he may qualify for.
61 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-01-28 17:52:50
Answer/Reply:
Contact Bristol Meyers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation at 1-800-736-0003 and apply for assistance or even free Plavix 75MG Tablets.
62 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-01-29 12:36:19
Answer/Reply:
I had the same problem with not having insurance and I went to my heart doctor, they filled out a form for me signed it and I completed the form and mailed it to Bristol-Myers (makers of Plavix) and now they send me a 90 day supply every 90 days at no cost.
46 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-03-11 23:39:43
Question/Comment:
My doctor has switched from plavix to zetia as the plavix was causing muscle weakness and leg pain. I have been off it for about two months now, and cholesterol level at last blood test with the zetia is 187.
64 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-11-18 23:00:44
Answer/Reply:
Zetia and Plavix are two totally different types of drugs for different functions. Are you sure he didn't switch you from Lipitor to Zetia? Plavix is a thinner type med that stops the blood cells from sticking to each other and clotting.
49 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-01-22 11:12:45
You may post comments for the benefit of other patients or post questions other patients might be able to answer. Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Only your age and gender will be published with your comment, although your other user details will be securely recorded for verification purposes.
Comments may be either questions or answers to previously posted questions. Any iGuard.org user may post questions and reply.
198
Patient Comments about
Plavix