What is it and how is it used?
Clopidogrel Apotex contains the active substance clopidogrel, a platelet aggregation blocker. Platelets are very small structures which clump together (aggregate) during blood clotting. By preventing formation of blood clots (thrombi) in hardened blood vessels, clopidogrel reduces the risk of stroke or heart attack.
Clopidogrel Apotex is used if you have hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), and you have either:
What do you have to consider before using it?
Do not take Clopidogrel Apotex
Take special care with Clopidogrel Apotex
Tell your doctor before you start taking this medicine:
While you are taking Clopidogrel Apotex:
Clopidogrel is not intended for use in children or adolescents.
Using other medicines
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using or have recently used any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.
Some other medicines may influence the use of Clopidogrel Apotex or vice versa.
This applies specially to medicines containing any of the following active substances:
Acetylsalicylic acid (an NSAID) may be used if prescribed, or occasionally up to 1000 mg in 24 h. However, discuss with your doctor its prolonged use in other circumstances.
Taking Clopidogrel Apotex with food and drink
You can take Clopidogrel Apotex with food or without food.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
It is not recommended to use this medicine during pregnancy.
If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, tell your doctor before treatment start. If you become pregnant while taking Clopidogrel Apotex, tell your doctor immediately.
You should stop breast-feeding while taking Clopidogrel Apotex, as it is not known if clopidogrel passes into breast milk.
Driving and using machines
Clopidogrel Apotex is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or use machines.
Important information about some of the ingredients of Clopidogrel Apotex
Clopidogrel Apotex contains lactose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact you doctor before taking this medicine.
How is it used?
Always take Clopidogrel Apotex 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 daily, every day at the same time.
Take the tablet(s) with some liquid, with or without food.
If you take more Clopidogrel Apotex than you should
Contact your doctor or the nearest hospital emergency department immediately because of the increased risk of bleeding.
If you forget to take Clopidogrel Apotex
If you forget to take Clopidogrel Apotex, but remember within 12 hours of your usual time, take your tablet straightaway. Then take your next tablet at the usual time.
If you forget for more than 12 hours, skip the missed dose. Then take the next tablet at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten tablet.
If you stop taking Clopidogrel Apotex
You should take Clopidogrel Apotex as long as your doctor prescribes it.
Do not stop the treatment without discussing it with your doctor first.
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, Clopidogrel Apotex can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Side effects may occur with certain frequencies, which are defined as follows:
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
The most common side effect is bleeding, which may appear as:
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 Clopidogrel Apotex’).
Other side effects:
Common side effects
Uncommon side effects
Rare side effects
Very rare side effects
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 Clopidogrel Apotex 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 Clopidogrel Apotex 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.
