Clopidogrel + Aspirin

Clopidogrel + Aspirin — Uses and Benefits

This combination medicine is mainly used to prevent heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems in people who are at high risk of blood clots.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Preventing blood clots after a heart attack
• Preventing blood clots after a stroke or mini-stroke (TIA)
• Preventing clot formation after placement of a coronary stent
• Reducing risk of further cardiovascular events in people with known heart disease

HOW IT WORKS

• Aspirin reduces the stickiness of platelets by blocking a chemical that helps platelets clump together
• Clopidogrel blocks a different pathway that platelets use to stick together, giving stronger clot prevention
• Together they reduce the risk of platelets forming a clot inside blood vessels, which can block blood flow to the heart or brain

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Not used as a painkiller for headache or body pain
• Not used to treat an active heart attack or stroke on its own without other emergency treatment
• Not a routine medicine for people without heart or blood vessel disease
• Not used to treat infections or fever

How to Use Clopidogrel + Aspirin

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once a day
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water
• Can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food may reduce stomach upset
• Try to take it at the same time every day to build a routine
• Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly, even if you feel well, unless your doctor advises this, especially if you have a stent

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember on the same day
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one
• If you miss several doses, inform your doctor

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep in the original packaging until ready to use
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack

Clopidogrel + Aspirin — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Upset stomach or indigestion
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Easy bruising
• Minor bleeding, such as nosebleeds or bleeding gums

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Skin rash or itching
• Stomach pain

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Black or bloody stools, or vomiting blood
• Severe or unexplained bruising
• Signs of a stroke such as sudden weakness, slurred speech, or vision changes
• Severe allergic reaction with swelling of face, lips, or throat, or difficulty breathing
• Unusual bleeding that does not stop with normal pressure
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (signs of liver problems)
• Purple spots on skin with fever and confusion (rare blood disorder)

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Clopidogrel + Aspirin — Safety Information and Precautions

This is a prescription-only medicine in India and should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are actively bleeding, such as from a stomach ulcer or brain bleed
• Have a known allergy to clopidogrel, aspirin, or other NSAIDs
• Have severe liver disease
• Are a child or teenager with a viral infection (risk of Reye's syndrome with aspirin)

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have a history of stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding
• Have kidney or liver problems
• Are scheduled for any surgery or dental procedure
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Have asthma, as aspirin can worsen symptoms in some people
• Have had a recent stroke involving bleeding in the brain

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Other blood thinners such as warfarin or heparin
• Other NSAID painkillers like ibuprofen or diclofenac
• Certain antidepressants (SSRIs)
• Proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole (may reduce clopidogrel effectiveness)
• Methotrexate
• Herbal supplements that affect bleeding, such as ginkgo biloba

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I stop this medicine on my own if I feel fine?

No, stopping suddenly, especially after a stent, can increase the risk of a serious clot; always consult your doctor first.

Can I take painkillers along with this medicine?

Avoid over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen without asking your doctor, as they can increase bleeding risk.

Will this medicine make me bleed more easily during a cut or injury?

• Yes, it slows clotting, so minor cuts may bleed longer and bruising may occur more easily than usual.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.