Doctors On Call

Plavix – what does it do?

Plavix is a prescription medication from the thienopyridine class of antiplatelet agents. This type of medication is used in prevention of blood clots from forming as result of different cardiovascular conditions such as coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease and peripheral vascular disease. The way in which Plavix functions, like other antiplatelet drugs is by inhibiting the binding of platelets together, which by binding together create blood clots. The in-depth pharmacology of the way in which Plavix prevents blood clots from forming is a rather complicated one and it can be understood only by experts in the field. The important thing that you need to know is that it is very efficient at what it does. One of the main uses for Plavix is after the placement of intracoronary stent when it is likely that clots are going to affect the normal blood flow. In such cases, it is mainly used in conjunction with aspirin.

Taking Plavix to benefit you the most

Plavix is a strong medication and it should only be used in accordance to what the doctor prescribed. Before you are even prescribed with Plavix, you will need to have a long consultation with your doctor who will then decide if you should be taking this medication in the first place. For example, if you are allergic to Plavix or if you have active bleeding, for example from stomach ulcers or from any head injury that has caused bleeding in the brain, you will not be able to take Plavix. This is because it can have an effect on the blood coagulation. IN some other cases, your doctor will need to run some more tests and carefully adjust the dosage so that you do not experience any serious side effects of Plavix. These cases include history of strokes, including mini-strokes, stomach ulcer, ulcerative colitis, kidney disease or any bleeding or blood clotting disorders, such as hemophilia or thrombocytopenic purpura. Once you start your Plavix regimen, you will need to take v exactly as prescribed, taking only as much of it as prescribed and never adjusting the dosage or discontinuing your regimen without consulting your doctor. If you have scheduled surgery of any kind, you need to inform the surgeon about the fact that you are using Plavix, as they will need you to stop using it some time prior to surgery to avoid any excessive bleeding.

If you wish to reap all the benefits of taking Plavix, you need to take this medication regularly, which includes replenishing your supply before you run out of Plavix. You will also most likely be told to come for appointments with your doctor aimed at checking your progress and monitoring the way in which your body is responding to the treatment. It would also be a good idea to consult your healthcare provider about side effects that can be caused by Plavix, but also about interactions of other medications with Plavix, which can cause some serious adverse effects to your health.