What is it and how is it used?
Grepid 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).
Grepid is taken 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).
You have been prescribed Grepid to help prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of these severe events because:
What do you have to consider before using it?
Do not take Grepid
If you think any of these apply to you, or if you are in any doubt at all, consult your doctor before taking Grepid.
Take special care with Grepid
If any of the situations mentioned below apply to you, you should tell your doctor before taking this Grepid:
While you are taking Grepid:
Clopidogrel is not intended for use in children or adolescents.
Taking other medicines
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.
Some other medicines may influence the use of Grepid or vice versa.
You should specially tell your doctor if you take:
An occasional use of acetylsalicylic acid (not more than 1000 mg in 24 hour period) should generally not cause a problem, but prolonged use in other circumstances should be discussed with your doctor.
Taking Grepid with food and drink
Grepid may be taken with or without food.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
It is preferable not to take this product during pregnancy.
If you are pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist before taking Grepid. If you become pregnant while taking Grepid, consult your doctor immediately as it is recommended not to take clopidogrel while you are pregnant.
You should not breastfeed while taking this medicine.
If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.
Driving and using machines
Grepid is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or to use machines.
Important information about some of the ingredients of Grepid
Grepid contains lactose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars (e.g. lactose), contact you doctor before taking this medicine.
How is it used?
Always take Grepid exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
The usual dose is one 75 mg tablet of Grepid per day to be taken orally with or without food and at the same time each day.
You should take Grepid for as long as your doctor continues to prescribe it.
If you take more Grepid than you should
Contact your doctor or the nearest hospital emergency department because of the increased risk of bleeding.
If you forget to take Grepid
If you forget to take a dose of Grepid, but remember within 12 hours of your usual time, take your tablet straightaway and then take your next tablet at the usual time.
If you forget for more than 12 hours, simply take the next single dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for the forgotten individual doses.
If you stop taking Grepid
Do not stop the treatment unless your doctor tells you so. Contact your doctor or pharmacist before stopping.
If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
What are possible side effects?
Like all medicines, Grepid can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
The frequency of possible side effects listed below is defined using the following convention:
The most common side effect reported with Grepid 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.
If you experience prolonged bleeding when taking Grepid
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 ‘Take special care with Grepid’).
Other side effects reported with Grepid are:
Common side effects: Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, indigestion or heartburn
Uncommon side effects:Headache, stomach ulcer, vomiting, nausea, constipation, excessive gas in stomach or intestines, rashes, itching, dizziness, sensation of tingling and numbness.
Rare side effects: Vertigo.
Very rare side effects: Jaundice; severe abdominal pain with or without back pain; fever, breathing difficulties sometimes associated with cough; generalised allergic reactions; swelling in the mouth; blisters of the skin; skin allergy; inflammation of the mouth (stomatitis); decrease in blood pressure; confusion; hallucinations; joint pain; muscular pain; changes in the way things taste.
In addition, your doctor may identify changes in your blood or urine test results.
If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
How should it be stored?
Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
Do not use Grepid after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and on the blister, after EXP.
This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.
Do not use Grepid if you notice any visible sign of deterioration.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
