Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
for Plavix contains clopidogrel and belongs to a group of medicines called antiplatelet medicinal products. Platelets are very small structures in the blood which clump together during blood clotting. By preventing this clumping, antiplatelet medicinal products reduce the chances of blood clots forming (a process called thrombosis).
If you think any of these apply to you, or if you are in any doubt at all, consult your doctor before taking Plavix.
Plavix is taken by adults to prevent blood clots (thrombi) forming in hardened blood vessels (arteries), a process known as atherothrombosis, which can lead to atherothrombotic events (such as stroke, heart attack, or death).
Warnings and precautions If any of the situations mentioned below apply to you, you should tell your doctor before taking Plavix:
You have been prescribed Plavix to help prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of these severe events because:
Code: 863679
Sanofi Ambarès France Libellé: NOT PLAVIX 300 CP DC RL HX G1
Based on: 845552
Laetus: 4990
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If you have experienced severe chest pain (unstable angina or heart attack), transient ischemic attack or ischemic stroke in mild severity, you may be prescribed Plavix in combination with acetylsalicylic acid, a substance present in many medicines used to relieve pain and lower fever. An occasional use of acetylsalicylic acid (no more than 1,000 mg in any 24 hour period) should generally not cause a problem, but prolonged use in other circumstances should be discussed with your doctor. Plavix with food and drink Plavix may be taken with or without food. Pregnancy and breast-feeding It is preferable not to take this product during pregnancy.
Children and adolescents Do not give this medicine to children because it does not work.
If you are pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant, you should tell your doctor or your pharmacist before taking Plavix. If you become pregnant while taking Plavix, consult your doctor immediately as it is recommended not to take clopidogrel while you are pregnant.
Other medicines and Plavix Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. Some other medicines may influence the use of Plavix or vice versa.
You should not breast-feed while taking this medicine. If you are breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
You should specifically tell your doctor if you take
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine. Driving and using machines Plavix is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or to use machines. Plavix contains lactose If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars (e.g. lactose), contact your doctor before taking this medicine. Plavix contains hydrogenated castor oil This may cause stomach upset or diarrhoea. 2
Code: 863679
Sanofi Ambarès France Libellé: NOT PLAVIX 300 CP DC RL HX G1
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Laetus: 4990
Country: GB
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Creation Date: 30/08/2022
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Modif Date:
By:
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04/01/2023
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AMBRS-M002188 NOT_DC AMBRS-M002189 NOT_DP AMBRS-M002190 NOT_TC AMBRS-M002191 NOT_TP AMBRS-M002192 NOT_QP
e Plavix Do not take Plavix:
Plavix Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
The most common side effect reported with Plavix is bleeding. Bleeding may occur as bleeding in the stomach or bowels, bruising, haematoma (unusual bleeding or bruising under the skin), nose bleed, blood in the urine. In a small number of cases, bleeding in the eye, inside the head, the lung or the joints has also been reported.
The recommended dose, including for patients with a condition called 'atrial fibrillation' (an irregular heartbeat), is one 75 mg tablet of Plavix per day to be taken orally with or without food, and at the same time each day. If you have experienced severe chest pain (unstable angina or heart attack), your doctor may give you 300 mg or 600mg of Plavix (1 or 2 tablets of 300 mg or 4 or 8 tablets of 75 mg) once at the start of treatment. Then, the recommended dose is one 75 mg tablet of Plavix per day as described above. If you have experienced symptoms of a stroke which go away within a short period of time (also known as transient ischemic attack) or an ischemic stroke mild in severity, your doctor may give you 300 mg of Plavix (1 tablet of 300 mg or 4 tablets of 75 mg) once at the start of treatment. Then, the recommended dose is one 75 mg tablet of Plavix per day as described above with acetylsalicylic acid for 3 weeks. Then the physician would prescribe either Plavix alone or acetylsalicylic acid alone.
If you experience prolonged bleeding when taking Plavix If you cut or injure yourself, it may take longer than usual for bleeding to stop. This is linked to the way your medicine works as it prevents the ability of blood clots to form. For minor cuts and injuries e.g., cutting yourself, shaving, this is usually of no concern. However, if you are concerned by your bleeding, you should contact your doctor straightaway (see section 2 'Warnings and precautions'). Other side effects include: Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, indigestion or heartburn. Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): Headache, stomach ulcer, vomiting, nausea, constipation, excessive gas in stomach or intestines, rashes, itching, dizziness, sensation of tingling and numbness.
You should take Plavix for as long as your doctor continues to prescribe it.
Rare side effect (may affect up to 1 in 1000 people): Vertigo, enlarged breasts in males.
If you take more Plavix than you should Contact your doctor or the nearest hospital emergency department because of the increased risk of bleeding.
Very rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people): Jaundice; severe abdominal pain with or without back pain; fever, breathing difficulties sometimes associated with cough; generalised allergic reactions (for example, overall sensation of heat with sudden general discomfort until fainting); swelling in the mouth; blisters of the skin; skin allergy; sore mouth (stomatitis); decrease in blood pressure; confusion; hallucinations; joint pain; muscular pain; changes in taste or loss of taste of food.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 4. Possible side effects Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Side effects with frequency not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data): Hypersensitivity reactions with chest or abdominal pain, persistent low blood sugar symptoms.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
In addition, your doctor may identify changes in your blood or urine test results. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side 3
Code: 863679
Sanofi Ambarès France Libellé: NOT PLAVIX 300 CP DC RL HX G1
Based on: 845552
Laetus: 4990
Country: GB
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Font: OCEAN SANS PRO SAN
AMBRS-M002187 NOT_S
NOTICE
1
Proof: 3
format:
Creation Date: 30/08/2022
By:
I. SOURBE
Modif Date:
By:
G. CAGNET
04/01/2023
170X210 DC
Font size: 9PT No Printable color: Plan Used color Printable: Pantone Black + dégradé
4a Nord/North 4A – 4B 1a Est/East 1A – 2B
AMBRS-M002188 NOT_DC AMBRS-M002189 NOT_DP AMBRS-M002190 NOT_TC AMBRS-M002191 NOT_TP AMBRS-M002192 NOT_QP
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer Marketing Authorisation Holder: Sanofi 410 Thames Valley Park Drive Reading Berkshire RG6 1PT UK Tel: 0800 035 2525 Email: [email protected]
effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report
directly via Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Plavix Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Manufacturer: Sanofi Winthrop Industrie 1, rue de la Vierge, Ambarès & Lagrave, F-33565 Carbon Blanc cedex, France
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and on the blister, after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
This leaflet does not contain all the information about your medicine. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.
This leaflet was last revised in December 2022.
Do not use this medicine if you notice any visible sign of deterioration. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help to protect the environment.
What Plavix contains The active substance is clopidogrel. Each tablet contains 300 mg of clopidogrel (as hydrogen sulphate). The other ingredients are (see section 2 'Plavix contains lactose' and 'Plavix contains hydrogenated castor oil'):
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Plavix 300 mg film-coated tablets are oblong, pink, engraved on one side with the number '300' and on the other side with the number '1332'. Plavix is supplied in cardboard cartons containing 4×1, 10×1, 30×1 and 100×1 tablets in all aluminium unit-dose blisters. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. 4
Plavix 300 mg film-coated tablets comes as tablet containing 300mg. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
The active substance in Plavix 300 mg film-coated tablets is clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Plavix 300 mg film-coated tablets, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
Secondary prevention of atherothrombotic events
Clopidogrel is indicated in:
• Adult patients suffering from myocardial infarction (from a few days until less than 35 days), ischemic stroke (from 7 days until less than 6 months) or established peripheral arterial disease.
• Adult patients suffering from acute coronary syndrome:
- Non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (unstable angina or non-Q-wave myocardial infarction), including patients undergoing a stent placement following percutaneous coronary intervention, in combination with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA).
- ST segment elevation acute myocardial infarction, in combination with ASA in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (including patients undergoing a stent placement) or medically treated patients eligible for thrombolytic/fibrinolytic therapy.
In patients with moderate to high-risk Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or minor Ischemic Stroke (IS)
Clopidogrel in combination with ASA is indicated in:
- Adult patients with moderate to high-risk TIA (ABCD21 score ≥4) or minor IS (NIHSS2 ≤3) within 24 hours of either the TIA or IS event.
Prevention of atherothrombotic and thromboembolic events in atrial fibrillation
In adult patients with atrial fibrillation who have at least one risk factor for vascular events, are not suitable for treatment with Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and who have a low bleeding risk, clopidogrel is indicated in combination with ASA for the prevention of atherothrombotic and thromboembolic events, including stroke.
For further information please refer to section 5.1.
1 Age, Blood pressure, Clinical features, Duration, and Diabetes mellitus diagnosis
2 National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale
Posology
• Adults and elderly
This 300 mg tablet of clopidogrel is intended for use as a loading dose.
In patients suffering from acute coronary syndrome:
- Non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (unstable angina or non-Q-wave myocardial infarction): clopidogrel treatment should be initiated with a single 300 mg or 600mg loading dose. A 600 mg loading dose may be considered in patients <75 years of age when percutaneous coronary intervention is intended (see section 4.4). Clopidogrel treatment should be continued at 75 mg once a day (with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) 75 mg-325 mg daily). Since higher doses of ASA were associated with higher bleeding risk it is recommended that the dose of ASA should not be higher than 100 mg. The optimal duration of treatment has not been formally established. Clinical trial data support use up to 12 months, and the maximum benefit was seen at 3 months (see section 5.1).
- ST segment elevation acute myocardial infarction:
- For medically treated patients eligible for thrombolytic/fibrinolytic therapy, clopidogrel should be given as a single daily dose of 75 mg initiated with a 300 mg loading dose in combination with ASA and with or without thrombolytics. For medically treated patients over 75 years of age clopidogrel should be initiated without a loading dose. Combined therapy should be started as early as possible after symptoms start and continued for at least four weeks. The benefit of the combination of clopidogrel with ASA beyond four weeks has not been studied in this setting (see section 5.1).
- When percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is intended:
- Clopidogrel should be initiated at a loading dose of 600 mg in patients undergoing primary PCI and in patients undergoing PCI more than 24 hours of receiving fibrinolytic therapy. In patients ≥ 75 years old the 600 mg LD should be administered with caution (see section 4.4).
- Clopidogrel 300 mg loading dose should be given in patients undergoing PCI within 24 hours of receiving fibrinolytic therapy.
Clopidogrel treatment should be continued at 75 mg once a day with ASA 75 mg – 100 mg daily. Combined therapy should be started as early as possible after symptoms start and continued up to 12 months (see section 5.1).
Adult patients with moderate to high-risk TIA or minor IS:
Adult patients with moderate to high-risk TIA (ABCD2 score ≥4) or minor IS (NIHSS ≤3) should be given a loading dose of clopidogrel 300 mg followed by clopidogrel 75 mg once daily and ASA (75 mg -100 mg once daily). Treatment with clopidogrel and ASA should be started within 24 hours of the event and be continued for 21 days followed by single antiplatelet therapy.
In patients with atrial fibrillation, clopidogrel should be given as a single daily dose of 75 mg. ASA (75-100 mg daily) should be initiated and continued in combination with clopidogrel (see section 5.1).
If a dose is missed:
- Within less than 12 hours after regular scheduled time: patients should take the dose immediately and then take the next dose at the regular scheduled time.
- For more than 12 hours: patients should take the next dose at the regular scheduled time and should not double the dose.
Special populations
Elderly patients
Non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (unstable angina or non-Q-wave myocardial infarction):
- A 600 mg loading dose may be considered in patients <75 years of age when percutaneous coronary intervention is intended (see section 4.4).
ST segment elevation acute myocardial infarction:
- For medically treated patients eligible for thrombolytic/fibrinolytic therapy: in patients over 75 years of age clopidogrel should be initiated without a loading dose.
For patients undergoing primary PCI and in patients undergoing PCI more than 24 hours of receiving fibrinolytic therapy:
- In patients ≥ 75 years old the 600 mg LD should be administered with caution (see section 4.4).
• Paediatric population
Clopidogrel should not be used in children because of efficacy concerns (see section 5.1).
• Renal impairment
Therapeutic experience is limited in patients with renal impairment (see section 4.4).
• Hepatic impairment
Therapeutic experience is limited in patients with moderate hepatic disease who may have bleeding diatheses (see section 4.4).
Method of administration
For oral use
It may be given with or without food.
• Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 2 or section 6.1.
• Severe hepatic impairment.
• Active pathological bleeding such as peptic ulcer or intracranial hemorrhage.
Bleeding and haematological disorders
Due to the risk of bleeding and haematological adverse reactions, blood cell count determination and/or other appropriate testing should be promptly considered whenever clinical symptoms suggestive of bleeding arise during the course of treatment (see section 4.8). As with other antiplatelet agents, clopidogrel should be used with caution in patients who may be at risk of increased bleeding from trauma, surgery or other pathological conditions and in patients receiving treatment with ASA, heparin, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including Cox-2 inhibitors, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), or CYP2C19 strong inducers or other medicinal products associated with bleeding risk such as pentoxifylline (see section 4.5). Due to the increased risk of haemorrhage, triple antiplatelet therapy (clopidogrel + ASA + dipyridamole) for stroke secondary prevention is not recommended in patients with acute non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke or TIA (see section 4.5 and section 4.8). Patients should be followed carefully for any signs of bleeding including occult bleeding, especially during the first weeks of treatment and/or after invasive cardiac procedures or surgery. The concomitant administration of clopidogrel with oral anticoagulants is not recommended since it may increase the intensity of bleedings (see section 4.5).
If a patient is to undergo elective surgery and antiplatelet effect is temporarily not desirable, clopidogrel should be discontinued 7 days prior to surgery. Patients should inform physicians and dentists that they are taking clopidogrel before any surgery is scheduled and before any new medicinal product is taken. Clopidogrel prolongs bleeding time and should be used with caution in patients who have lesions with a propensity to bleed (particularly gastrointestinal and intraocular).
Patients should be told that it might take longer than usual to stop bleeding when they take clopidogrel (alone or in combination with ASA), and that they should report any unusual bleeding (site or duration) to their physician.
The use of clopidogrel 600 mg loading dose is not recommended in patients with non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome and ≥75 years of age due to increased bleeding risk in this population.
Due to the limited clinical data in patients ≥75 years old with STEMI PCI, and increased risk of bleeding, the use of clopidogrel 600 mg loading dose should be considered only after an individual assessment of the bleeding risk of the patient by the physician.
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP)
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) has been reported very rarely following the use of clopidogrel, sometimes after a short exposure. It is characterised by thrombocytopenia and microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia associated with either neurological findings, renal dysfunction or fever. TTP is a potentially fatal condition requiring prompt treatment including plasmapheresis.
Acquired haemophilia
Acquired haemophilia has been reported following use of clopidogrel. In cases of confirmed isolated activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) prolongation with or without bleeding, acquired haemophilia should be considered. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of acquired haemophilia should be managed and treated by specialists, and clopidogrel should be discontinued.
Recent ischemic stroke
• Initiation of therapy
◦ In acute minor IS or moderate to high-risk TIA patients, dual antiplatelet therapy (clopidogrel and ASA) should be started no later than 24 hours after the event onset.
◦ There is no data regarding the benefit-risk of short term dual antiplatelet therapy in acute minor IS or moderate to high-risk TIA patients, with a history of (non-traumatic) intracranial hemorrhage.
◦ In non-minor IS patients, clopidogrel monotherapy should be started only after the first 7 days of the event.
• Non-minor IS patients (NIHSS >4)
In view of the lack of data, use of dual antiplatelet therapy is not recommended (see section 4.1).
• Recent minor IS or moderate to high-risk TIA in patients for whom intervention is indicated or planned
There is no data to support the use of dual antiplatelet therapy in patients for whom treatment with carotid endarterectomy or intravascular thrombectomy is indicated, or in patients planned for thrombolysis or anticoagulant therapy. Dual antiplatelet therapy is not recommended in these situations.
Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19)
Pharmacogenetics: In patients who are poor CYP2C19 metabolisers, clopidogrel at recommended doses forms less of the active metabolite of clopidogrel and has a smaller effect on platelet function. Tests are available to identify a patient's CYP2C19 genotype.
Since clopidogrel is metabolised to its active metabolite partly by CYP2C19, use of medicinal products that inhibit the activity of this enzyme would be expected to result in reduced drug levels of the active metabolite of clopidogrel. The clinical relevance of this interaction is uncertain. As a precaution concomitant use of strong or moderate CYP2C19 inhibitors should be discouraged (see section 4.5 for a list of CYP2C19 inhibitors, see also section 5.2).
Use of medicinal products that induce the activity of CYP2C19 would be expected to result in increased drug levels of the active metabolite of clopidogrel and might potentiate the bleeding risk. As a precaution concomitant use of strong CYP2C19 inducers should be discouraged (see section 4.5).
CYP2C8 substrates
Caution is required in patients treated concomitantly with clopidogrel and CYP2C8 substrate medicinal products (see section 4.5).
Cross-reactions among thienopyridines
Patients should be evaluated for history of hypersensitivity to thienopyridines (such as clopidogrel, ticlopidine, prasugrel) since cross-reactivity among thienopyridines has been reported (see section 4.8). Thienopyridines may cause mild to severe allergic reactions such as rash, angioedema, or haematological cross-reactions such as thrombocytopaenia and neutropaenia. Patients who had developed a previous allergic reaction and/or haematological reaction to one thienopyridine may have an increased risk of developing the same or another reaction to another thienopyridine. Monitoring for signs of hypersensitivity in patients with a known allergy to thienopyridines is advised.
Renal impairment
Therapeutic experience with clopidogrel is limited in patients with renal impairment. Therefore clopidogrel should be used with caution in these patients (see section 4.2).
Hepatic impairment
Experience is limited in patients with moderate hepatic disease who may have bleeding diatheses. Clopidogrel should therefore be used with caution in this population (see section 4.2).
Excipients
Plavix contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicinal product.
This medicinal product contains hydrogenated castor oil which may cause stomach upset and diarrhoea.
Medicinal products associated with bleeding risk: There is an increased risk of bleeding due to the potential additive effect. The concomitant administration of medicinal products associated with bleeding risk should be undertaken with caution (see section 4.4).
Oral anticoagulants: the concomitant administration of clopidogrel with oral anticoagulants is not recommended since it may increase the intensity of bleedings (see section 4.4). Although the administration of clopidogrel 75 mg/day did not modify the pharmacokinetics of S-warfarin or International Normalised Ratio (INR) in patients receiving long-term warfarin therapy, coadministration of clopidogrel with warfarin increases the risk of bleeding because of independent effects on hemostasis.
Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors: clopidogrel should be used with caution in patients who receive concomitant glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (see section 4.4).
Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA): ASA did not modify the clopidogrel-mediated inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation, but clopidogrel potentiated the effect of ASA on collagen-induced platelet aggregation. However, concomitant administration of 500 mg of ASA twice a day for one day did not significantly increase the prolongation of bleeding time induced by clopidogrel intake. A pharmacodynamic interaction between clopidogrel and acetylsalicylic acid is possible, leading to increased risk of bleeding. Therefore, concomitant use should be undertaken with caution (see section 4.4). However, clopidogrel and ASA have been administered together for up to one year (see section 5.1).
Heparin: in a clinical study conducted in healthy subjects, clopidogrel did not necessitate modification of the heparin dose or alter the effect of heparin on coagulation. Co-administration of heparin had no effect on the inhibition of platelet aggregation induced by clopidogrel. A pharmacodynamic interaction between clopidogrel and heparin is possible, leading to increased risk of bleeding. Therefore, concomitant use should be undertaken with caution (see section 4.4).
Thrombolytics: the safety of the concomitant administration of clopidogrel, fibrin or non-fibrin specific thrombolytic agents and heparins was assessed in patients with acute myocardial infarction. The incidence of clinically significant bleeding was similar to that observed when thrombolytic agents and heparin are co-administered with ASA (see section 4.8)
NSAIDs: in a clinical study conducted in healthy volunteers, the concomitant administration of clopidogrel and naproxen increased occult gastrointestinal blood loss. However, due to the lack of interaction studies with other NSAIDs it is presently unclear whether there is an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding with all NSAIDs. Consequently, NSAIDs including Cox-2 inhibitors and clopidogrel should be co-administered with caution (see section 4.4).
SSRIs: since SSRIs affect platelet activation and increase the risk of bleeding, the concomitant administration of SSRIs with clopidogrel should be undertaken with caution.
Other concomitant therapy:
Inducers of CYP2C19
Since clopidogrel is metabolised to its active metabolite partly by CYP2C19, use of medicinal products that induce the activity of this enzyme would be expected to result in increased drug levels of the active metabolite of clopidogrel.
Rifampicin strongly induces CYP2C19, resulting in both an increased level of clopidogrel active metabolite and platelet inhibition, which in particular might potentiate the risk of bleeding. As a precaution, concomitant use of strong CYP2C19 inducers should be discouraged (see section 4.4).
Inhibitors of CYP2C19
Since clopidogrel is metabolised to its active metabolite partly by CYP2C19, use of medicinal products that inhibit the activity of this enzyme would be expected to result in reduced drug levels of the active metabolite of clopidogrel. The clinical relevance of this interaction is uncertain. As a precaution concomitant use of strong or moderate CYP2C19 inhibitors should be discouraged (see sections 4.4 and 5.2).
Medicinal products that are strong or moderate CYP2C19 inhibitors include, for example, omeprazole and esomeprazole, fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, moclobemide, voriconazole, fluconazole, ticlopidine, carbamazepine, and efavirenz.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI):
Omeprazole 80 mg once daily administered either at the same time as clopidogrel or with 12 hours between the administrations of the two drugs decreased the exposure of the active metabolite by 45% (loading dose) and 40% (maintenance dose). The decrease was associated with a 39% (loading dose) and 21% (maintenance dose) reduction of inhibition of platelet aggregation. Esomeprazole is expected to give a similar interaction with clopidogrel.
Inconsistent data on the clinical implications of this pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic (PD) interaction in terms of major cardiovascular events have been reported from both observational and clinical studies. As a precaution, concomitant use of omeprazole or esomeprazole should be discouraged (see section 4.4).
Less pronounced reductions of metabolite exposure has been observed with pantoprazole or lansoprazole.
The plasma concentrations of the active metabolite was 20% reduced (loading dose) and 14% reduced (maintenance dose) during concomitant treatment with pantoprazole 80 mg once daily. This was associated with a reduction of the mean inhibition of platelet aggregation by 15% and 11%, respectively. These results indicate that clopidogrel can be administered with pantoprazole.
There is no evidence that other medicinal products that reduce stomach acid such as H2 blockers or antacids interfere with antiplatelet activity of clopidogrel.
Boosted anti-retroviral therapy (ART): HIV patients treated with boosted anti-retroviral therapies (ART) are at high risk of vascular events.
A significantly reduced platelet inhibition has been shown in HIV patients treated with ritonavir-or cobicistat-boosted ART. Although the clinical relevance of these findings is uncertain, there have been spontaneous reports of HIV-infected patients treated with ritonavir boosted ART, who have experienced re-occlusive events after de-obstruction or have suffered thrombotic events under a clopidogrel loading treatment schedule. Average platelet inhibition can be decreased with concomitant use of clopidogrel and ritonavir. Therefore, concomitant use of clopidogrel with ART boosted therapies should be discouraged.
Other medicinal products: A number of other clinical studies have been conducted with clopidogrel and other concomitant medicinal products to investigate the potential for pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions. No clinically significant pharmacodynamic interactions were observed when clopidogrel was co-administered with atenolol, nifedipine, or both atenolol and nifedipine. Furthermore, the pharmacodynamic activity of clopidogrel was not significantly influenced by the co-administration of phenobarbital or oestrogen.
The pharmacokinetics of digoxin or theophylline were not modified by the co-administration of clopidogrel. Antacids did not modify the extent of clopidogrel absorption.
Data from the CAPRIE study indicate that phenytoin and tolbutamide which are metabolised by CYP2C9 can be safely co-administered with clopidogrel.
CYP2C8 substrate medicinal products: Clopidogrel has been shown to increase repaglinide exposure in healthy volunteers. In vitro studies have shown the increase in repaglinide exposure is due to inhibition of CYP2C8 by the glucuronide metabolite of clopidogrel. Due to the risk of increased plasma concentrations, concomitant administration of clopidogrel and drugs primarily cleared by CYP2C8 metabolism (e.g., repaglinide, paclitaxel) should be undertaken with caution (see section 4.4).
Apart from the specific medicinal product interaction information described above, interaction studies with clopidogrel and some medicinal products commonly administered in patients with atherothrombotic disease have not been performed. However, patients entered into clinical trials with clopidogrel received a variety of concomitant medicinal products including diuretics, beta blockers, ACEI, calcium antagonists, cholesterol lowering agents, coronary vasodilators, antidiabetic agents (including insulin), antiepileptic agents and GPIIb/IIIa antagonists without evidence of clinically significant adverse interactions.
As with other oral P2Y12 inhibitors, co-administration of opioid agonists has the potential to delay and reduce the absorption of clopidogrel presumably because of slowed gastric emptying. The clinical relevance is unknown. Consider the use of a parenteral antiplatelet agent in acute coronary syndrome patients requiring co-administration of morphine or other opioid agonists.
Rosuvastatin: Clopidogrel has been shown to increase rosuvastatin exposure in patients by 2-fold (AUC) and 1.3-fold (Cmax) after administration of a 300 mg clopidogrel dose, and by 1.4-fold (AUC) without effect on Cmax after repeated administration of a 75 mg clopidogrel dose.
Pregnancy
As no clinical data on exposure to clopidogrel during pregnancy are available, it is preferable not to use clopidogrel during pregnancy as a precautionary measure.
Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to pregnancy, embryonal/foetal development, parturition or postnatal development (see section 5.3).
Breast-feeding
It is unknown whether clopidogrel is excreted in human breast milk. Animal studies have shown excretion of clopidogrel in breast milk. As a precautionary measure, breast-feeding should not be continued during treatment with Plavix.
Fertility
Clopidogrel was not shown to alter fertility in animal studies.
Clopidogrel has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
Summary of the safety profile
Clopidogrel has been evaluated for safety in more than 44,000 patients who have participated in clinical studies, including over 12,000 patients treated for 1 year or more. Overall, clopidogrel 75 mg/day was comparable to ASA 325 mg/day in CAPRIE regardless of age, gender and race. The clinically relevant adverse reactions observed in the CAPRIE, CURE, CLARITY, COMMIT and ACTIVE-A studies are discussed below. In addition to clinical studies experience, adverse reactions have been spontaneously reported.
Bleeding is the most common reaction reported both in clinical studies as well as in post-marketing experience where it was mostly reported during the first month of treatment.
In CAPRIE, in patients treated with either clopidogrel or ASA, the overall incidence of any bleeding was 9.3%. The incidence of severe cases was similar for clopidogrel and ASA.
In CURE, there was no excess in major bleeds with clopidogrel plus ASA within 7 days after coronary bypass graft surgery in patients who stopped therapy more than five days prior to surgery. In patients who remained on therapy within five days of bypass graft surgery, the event rate was 9.6% for clopidogrel plus ASA, and 6.3% for placebo plus ASA.
In CLARITY, there was an overall increase in bleeding in the clopidogrel plus ASA group vs. the placebo plus ASA groups. The incidence of major bleeding was similar between groups. This was consistent across subgroups of patients defined by baseline characteristics, and type of fibrinolytic or heparin therapy.
In COMMIT, the overall rate of noncerebral major bleeding or cerebral bleeding was low and similar in both groups.
In ACTIVE-A, the rate of major bleeding was greater in the clopidogrel + ASA group than in the placebo + ASA group (6.7% versus 4.3%). Major bleeding was mostly of extracranial origin in both groups (5.3% in the clopidogrel + ASA group; 3.5% in the placebo +ASA group), mainly from the gastrointestinal tract (3.5% vs. 1.8%). There was an excess of intracranial bleeding in the clopidogrel + ASA treatment group compared to the placebo + ASA group (1.4% versus 0.8%, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in the rates of fatal bleeding (1.1% in the clopidogrel + ASA group and 0.7% in the placebo +ASA group) and hemorrhagic stroke (0.8% and 0.6%, respectively) between groups.
In TARDIS, patients with recent ischemic stroke receiving intensive antiplatelet therapy with three medicinal products (ASA+ clopidogrel + dipyridamole) had more bleeding and bleeding of greater severity when compared with either clopidogrel alone or combined ASA and dipyridamole (adjusted common OR 2.54, 95% CI 2.05-3.16, p<0.0001).
Tabulated list of adverse reactions
Adverse reactions that occurred either during clinical studies or that were spontaneously reported are presented in the table below. Their frequency is defined using the following conventions: common (≥1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100); rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000); very rare (<1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each system organ class, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
System Organ Class
Common
Uncommon
Rare
Very rare, not known*
Blood and the lymphatic system disorders
Thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, eosinophilia
Neutropenia, including severe neutropenia
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) (see section 4.4), aplastic anaemia, pancytopenia, agranulocytosis, severe thrombocytopenia, acquired haemophilia A, granulocytopenia, anaemia
Cardiac disorders
Kounis syndrome (vasospastic allergic angina / allergic myocardial infarction) in the context of a hypersensitivity reaction due to clopidogrel*
Immune system disorders
Serum sickness, anaphylactoid reactions, cross-reactive drug hypersensitivity among thienopyridines (such as ticlopidine, prasugrel) (see section 4.4)*, insulin autoimmune syndrome, which can lead to severe hypoglycemia, particularly in patients with HLA DRA4 subtype (more frequent in the Japanese population)*
Psychiatric disorders
Hallucinations, confusion
Nervous system disorders
Intracranial bleeding (some cases were reported with fatal outcome), headache, paraesthesia, dizziness
Taste disturbances, ageusia
Eye disorders
Eye bleeding (conjunctival, ocular, retinal)
Ear and labyrinth disorders
Vertigo
Vascular disorders
Haematoma
Serious hemorrhage, hemorrhage of operative wound, vasculitis, hypotension
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Epistaxis
Respiratory tract bleeding (haemoptysis, pulmonary hemorrhage), bronchospasm, interstitial pneumonitis, eosinophilic pneumonia
Gastrointestinal disorders
Gastrointestinal hemorrhage, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia
Gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, gastritis, vomiting, nausea, constipation, flatulence
Retroperitoneal hemorrhage
Gastrointestinal and retroperitoneal hemorrhage with fatal outcome, pancreatitis, colitis (including ulcerative or lymphocytic colitis), stomatitis
Hepato-biliary disorders
Acute liver failure, hepatitis, abnormal liver function test
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Bruising
Rash, pruritus, skin bleeding (purpura)
Bullous dermatitis (toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens Johnson Syndrome, erythema multiforme, acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP)), angioedema, drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome, drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), rash erythematous or exfoliative, urticaria, eczema, lichen planus
Reproductive systems and breast disorders
Gynaecomastia
Musculoskeletal, connective tissue and bone disorders
Musculo-skeletal bleeding (haemarthrosis), arthritis, arthralgia, myalgia
Renal and urinary disorders
Haematuria
Glomerulonephritis, blood creatinine increased
General disorders and administration site conditions
Bleeding at puncture site
Fever
Investigations
Bleeding time prolonged, neutrophil count decreased, platelet count decreased
* Information related to clopidogrel with frequency “not known”.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
Overdose following clopidogrel administration may lead to prolonged bleeding time and subsequent bleeding complications. Appropriate therapy should be considered if bleedings are observed.
No antidote to the pharmacological activity of clopidogrel has been found. If prompt correction of prolonged bleeding time is required, platelet transfusion may reverse the effects of clopidogrel.
Medicines sold in Romania with the same active substance: Cunoscut în România ca
⚠ Not the same combination. This medicine contains Clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate. The products below do not contain exactly the same set of active substances — they are not direct substitutes.
Some of these do not contain exactly the same active substances — check each one. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Romanian medicines in the UK →
Medicines sold in Poland with the same active substance: W Polsce znany jako
⚠ Not the same combination. This medicine contains Clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate. The products below do not contain exactly the same set of active substances — they are not direct substitutes.
Some of these do not contain exactly the same active substances — check each one. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Polish medicines in the UK →
Ask anything about Plavix 300 mg film-coated tablets. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
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