
Does Plavix require blood work?
a bleeding disorder or blood clotting disorder. Plavix may not work as well if you have certain genetic factors that affect the breakdown of this medicine in your body. Your doctor may perform a blood test to make sure Plavix is right for you. This medicine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
Will Plavix effect my blood test results?
There is no testing for Plavix ... which is good and bad! Be very careful with plavix because there is no antidote for an overdose which is why testing the clotting ability of the blood is pointless. Plavix works in a different way to thin blood. Warfarin affects clotting time, where Plavix affects its stickiness
Does Plavix help lower blood pressure?
in plavix your pressure the language of academy, plavix lower your blood pressure they are practical transcendental idealists. lower blood pressure higher heart rate in addition to the perceptual behavior that home remedies for lowering blood pressure fast we are all born with, other people also use their thinking to strengthen themselves in …
Will you have blood clot in the legs with Plavix?
Shortness of breath is not a common side effect of Plavix, but it may be symptom of a serious side effect of the drug. Plavix is used to help prevent blood clots from forming in your body. If you’re taking Plavix, you were probably started on the drug because you had an increased risk of having blood clots.

How is Plavix monitored?
Most clinical studies on clopidogrel rely on standard platelet aggregometry to measure inhibition of ADP-induced aggregation (4)(5). In addition to aggregometry, cytometric determination of surface expression of platelet proteins, in particular P-selectin (CD62P), is commonly used to monitor platelet activation.
How do you test the effectiveness of clopidogrel?
The best assays to monitor clopidogrel therapy include VerifyNow and Multiplate ADP test.
What is a normal P2Y12 level?
The reference range for individuals NOT receiving a P2Y12 inhibitor is 180-376 PRU. PRU levels less than 180 are specific evidence of an anti-platelet effect due to P2Y12 receptor blockade.
What labs do you check before giving clopidogrel?
Your doctor may do a genetic test before prescribing this medicine to determine if you have a deficiency in a liver enzyme called CYP2C19. This medicine may not work as well if you have this condition. Tell all medical doctors, dentists, nurses, and pharmacists you go to that you are taking this medicine.
How long should you be on clopidogrel for?
The key question for your doctor is whether the benefits outweigh the extra risk. This combination treatment is prescribed for a limited period of time, usually up to a maximum of 12 months. After this period, your specialist will usually advise you to stop 1 of the 2 antiplatelet medications.
What is the most serious adverse effect of clopidogrel?
The main side effect of clopidogrel is bleeding more easily than normal. You may have nosebleeds, heavier periods, bleeding gums or bruising. You can drink alcohol with clopidogrel. But do not drink too much while taking this medicine.
What does a low P2Y12 mean?
Values <194 PRU indicate evidence of P2Y12 inhibitor effect – said another way, low numbers = good thienopyridine antiplatelet activity.
When is P2Y12 level drawn?
Samples should be collected 2 to 30 hours after ingestion of aspirin to show drug effect. Suggested timing for testing patients on P2Y12 inhibitory drugs is dependent on dosage given.
What is the gold standard for platelet aggregation test?
Light transmission platelet aggregometry on platelet-rich plasma. LTA, designed by Born in the 1960s, is performed by using the PRP as milieu. It is still deemed the gold standard test for the assessment of the various platelet functions.
What are the side effects of long term use of Plavix?
The more common side effects of Plavix can include:bleeding, such as from: cuts that take longer than usual to stop bleeding. nosebleeds.bruising more often than usual.fever.muscle pain.confusion.skin rash or itching.
Can you ever stop taking Plavix?
You should never stop taking any prescribed medication without talking to your doctor, but especially not Plavix. Patients who stop taking Plavix can develop clotting and could suffer a heart attack or stroke or other damage to their cardiovascular system.
What should I watch when taking Plavix?
Clopidogrel increases your risk of bleeding, which can be severe or life-threatening. Call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have bleeding that will not stop, if you have blood in your urine, black or bloody stools, or if you cough up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
What medication increases clopidogrel effectiveness?
Combination use of rifampicin can augment the antiplatelet efficacy of clopidogrel; however, it is necessary to know the increased risk of clopidogrel-associated bleeding.
What should you assess after giving clopidogrel?
Monitor excessive coughing, chest pain, or difficult, labored breathing. Report severe or prolonged respiratory symptoms. Monitor signs of hypersensitivity reactions, including pulmonary symptoms (tightness in the throat and chest, wheezing, cough, dyspnea) or skin reactions (rash, pruritus, urticaria).
How does P2Y12 test work?
P2Y12 Assay System The assay consists of Fibrinogen-coated microbeads and the platelets are activated by the inclusion of ADP. c. Activation of platelets via the ADP [20 μmol] in the device activates the GPIIb-IIIa receptor and this then binds to the Fibrinogen-coated microbeads.
How do you evaluate the effectiveness of aspirin?
Currently, the most appealing test in clinical practice for assessment of platelet inhibition by aspirin is the platelet function analyzer (PFA)-100. By using this test, a high prevalence of aspirin resistance (20% to 40%) has been reported in various recent reports.
What is the PRU of P2Y12?
The number of activated P2Y12 receptors is reported in P2Y12 Reaction Units (PRU), which is the amount of residual P2Y12 receptor mediated aggregation. The reference range is 180 to 335 PRU, which was determined in patients not taking ADP receptor antagonist drugs. Platelet inhibition by clopidogrel results in a lower PRU. Responders usually have PRU <180. PRU values >180 are often referred to as high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HPR) and have been associated with an increased risk of ischemic events after PCI including death, MI and stent thrombosis. These patients may benefit from either a higher dose of clopidogrel or alternative antiplatelet therapy such as prasugrel, ticagrelor or cangrelor. In contrast to patients with HPR, patients with low platelet reactivity (PRU <180) have a higher risk of bleeding, especially after PCI.
What is the P2Y12 response test?
This test has been named the Platelet P2Y12 Response Assay to avoid confusion with other tests such as the platelet function assay (PFA-100) and platelet aggregation. Also, the use of this test is not limited to clopidogrel. It can be used to measure the effect of other P2Y12 drugs, such as prasugrel (Effient), ticagrelor (Brilanta, Brilique) and cangrelor (Kengreal).
What is the role of platelet activation?
Platelet activation and aggregation play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. Inhibition of platelet function has become a primary therapeutic goal. Several large clinical trials have demonstrated improved risk reduction by dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel (Plavix). The latter is a thienopyridine that irreversibly blocks binding of ADP to the platelet P2Y12 receptor. The degree of platelet inhibition by clopidogrel varies from patient to patient in a normal or bell-shaped distribution. Between 4 to 30 percent of patients treated with clopidogrel do not have an adequate antiplatelet response as measured by platelet aggregation. Between 5 and 10% of patients treated with dual antiplatelet therapy still have thrombosis after stent implantation.
How long does it take for clopidogrel to normalize platelets?
Patients who are hyporesponders or nonresponders would be expected to normalize platelet function even sooner than 5 to 7 days after discontinuing clopidogrel. An individual’s response to clopidogrel can only be determined by performing platelet function testing. In our experience more than 50% of patients have <30% platelet inhibition within 3 days after discontinuing clopidogrel.
What are the factors that affect the metabolism of Clopidogrel?
Five factors may contribute to this variable response; patient noncompliance, malabsorption, drug to drug interactions, platelet ADP receptor heterogeneity, and differences in the rate of drug metabolism . The last factor is particularly important for clopidogrel because it is a prodrug that is converted in the liver by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system to its active thiol metabolite. A single nucleotide polymorphism in the gene encoding the CYP2C19 enzyme is associated with decreased clopidogrel metabolism. Patients with one or more copies of the variant CYP2C19*2 and/or CYP2C19*3 alleles have reduced conversion of clopidogrel to its active thiol metabolite.
How long after discontinuing Clopidogrel can you get a graft?
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Clinical Practice Guidelines, which were updated in 2011, state that previous reports recommended a 5 to 7 day delay after discontinuation of clopidogrel in patients requiring coronary artery bypass graft surgery to lessen bleeding (Ann Thorac Surg 2011;91:944-82, specifically page 951).
How long does it take for Plavix to peak?
Peak effect is usually detected 6 hours after treatment. Platelets blocked by clopidrogrel are affected for the remainder of their lifespan, which is 7 to10 days. Preoperative management of patients who are taking Plavix and require an invasive procedure or surgery can be problematic.
How long can you keep Plavix?
It would be best for her to be on Plavix to avoid blood clots. Doctors put patients on Plavix for 6 months to a lifetime, so it is relatively safe.
What blood test would be performed to see if your cardiac enzymes were elevated?
One of the blood tests they would have performed would have been a troponin test , to see if your cardiac enzymes were elevated. This is taken 12 hours minimum after your pains started. If the results were negative, then your heart muscle is not being damaged.
Does Plavix thin blood?
My cardiologist performed a special blood test and found that although Plavix thinned my blood, it was not an effective medication for my body chemistry. There are many others. You may want to have your cardiologist speak directly to your gasteroenterologist. If he won't listen or work with you, it is time to find another. Good luck.
Can you take vitamin B12 for years?
If you plan to take it for years, them I suggest to get yearly blood test for Vit. B12, Calcium and Magnesium. If necessary Vitamin B12 can be injected and Magnesium can be orally supplemented, I do not know about calcium (do not know if it exist in injectable form) any oral intake will not be assimilated unless that your stomach has a minimum acidity level Jesus.
How long does Plavix last?
Even though the active form of Plavix doesn't last for very long in the body, its effect on platelets lasts for the lifetime of the platelet (7 to 10 days).
What is Plavix used for?
2. Upsides. Plavix may be used for the treatment of unstable angina and for certain types of heart attack (myocardial infarction) to reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack.
What enzymes are involved in Plavix?
Plavix undergoes activation in the liver, through CYP2C19 hepatic enzymes . Some people have defective CYP2C19 enzymes which means they make less active drug from clopidogrel, and its antiplatelet effect is reduced (these people are termed poor metabolizers).
How long does it take for Plavix to work?
Can be administered as a loading dose (a bigger than normal, one-off dose) if an antiplatelet effect is needed within hours. Otherwise, it takes several days for the full antiplatelet effect of Plavix to develop with usual dosages. The dosage of Plavix does not need adjusting in people with liver disease.
What drugs can inhibit CYP2C19?
May interact with a number of other drugs including those that inhibit CYP2C19 (such as omeprazole or esomeprazole), and those that also increase bleeding risk (such as SSRIs, SNRIs, NSAIDs, and warfarin).
What is the name of the drug that inhibits platelets from clumping together?
Plavix: 7 things you should know. Medically reviewed by Carmen Fookes, BPharm. Last updated on Oct 7, 2020. 1. How it works. Plavix is a brand (trade) name for clopidogrel. Clopidogrel inhibits the way platelets (a component of blood) clump together (aggregate) to form clots. Its activity is thought to be due to its active metabolite, ...
What medications interact with Plavix?
Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed. Common medications that may interact with Plavix include: amiodarone. apixaban. bupropion. calcium channel blockers. corticosteroids, such as prednisone and methylprednisone. dabigatran.
What is Plavix?
Plavix ( clopidogrel) prevents platelets in your blood from sticking together to form an unwanted blood clot that could block an artery.
How should I take Plavix?
Take Plavix exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use these medicines exactly as directed.
What other drugs will affect Plavix?
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.
Why is Plavix not working?
Plavix may not work as well if you have certain genetic factors that affect the breakdown of this medicine in your body. Your doctor may perform a blood test to make sure Plavix is right for you. This medicine is not expected to harm an unborn baby.
How to prevent bleeding while shaving?
Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use extra care to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth. If you also take aspirin: Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms.
How to tell if you have a blood clot?
signs of a blood clot - sudden numbness or weakness, confusion, problems with vision or speech. Common Plavix side effects may include: bleeding. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the name of the medication that is used to treat depression?
an antidepressant such as citalopram, fluoxetine, sertraline, Cymbalta, Effexor, Lexapro, Pristiq, or Prozac;
Will I need to use this drug long term?
You might. Plavix is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Plavix is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
Can I take Plavix if I’m going to have surgery?
Usually not, because Plavix increases your risk of bleeding. In fact, your doctor will likely recommend that you stop taking Plavix 5 days before you have certain surgeries. This recommendation can vary depending on what type of surgery you’re going to have and any other health conditions you may have.
Do I need to follow a special diet while I’m taking Plavix?
No, you don’t need to follow a special diet while you’re taking Plavix. This drug should work safely and effectively for you regardless of your specific diet.
How long will I need to take Plavix?
Plavix is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Plavix is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
How long does Plavix keep working inside my body?
Plavix starts working inside your body about 30 to 60 minutes after you take it. It will continue to help prevent blood clots from forming for 7 to 10 days after you’ve taken a dose.
Can Plavix be crushed, split, or chewed?
No, Plavix tablets shouldn’t be crushed, split, or chewed. They should be swallowed whole.
What is the drug used for a patient with peripheral artery disease?
have peripheral artery disease (PAD). With PAD, blood vessels outside of your heart and brain are narrowed. For these uses, Plavix is given in combination with daily aspirin. Plavix comes as 75-mg and 300-mg tablets. It contains the drug clopidogrel, which belongs to a class of drugs called platelet inhibitors.
Why is Plavix a black box?
Food and Drug Administration recently placed a black box warning on Plavix because some patients cannot metabolize the drug, placing them at a higher risk of a heart attack or stroke. Video Player is loading. This is a modal window.
What blood thinner did Rossi prescribe?
Doctors found Plavix was working for Freund. If the drug wasn’t, Rossi could have prescribed a newer blood thinner called Prasugrel.
Why did they put a stent in Freund?
Doctors ended up placing a stent in Freund to open a blocked artery in his heart. He was also prescribed the blood thinner Plavix to prevent clots. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently placed a black box warning on Plavix because some patients cannot metabolize the drug, placing them at a higher risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Can you get Plavix twice?
In the study, poor responders, about 34 percent of patients, may get double doses of Plavix or they may be prescribed Prasugrel.
What is PRU in blood work?
Test results are in P2Y12 reactions units (PRU). This measures the extent of platelet aggregation in the presence of P2Y12 inhibitor drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix), prasugrel (Effient), tivagrelor (Brillinta), and ticlopidine (Ticlid).
How long does it take for a lla inhibitor to be tested?
This time period is approximately 14 days after discontinuation of drug adminstration for abciximab (ReoPro) and up to 48 hours for eptifibatide (Integrilin) and tirofiban (Aggrastat).
What is the hematocrit value of Verifynow?
The Verifynow PRUTest performance has been validated for hematocrit values between 33-52% and platelet counts between 119-502 K/uL. Results outside of these parameters have not been studied and PRUTest results may be affected.
What is the number for special coilulation?
Please call Special Coagulation 608-263-5005 with any questions or to obtain a pre-packaged kit of tubes and instructions.
Can you send a specimen through a pneumatic tube?
Do NOT send through the pneumatic tube. Do NOT freeze, refrigerate, or centrifuge. Do NOT open tube. Transport at room temperature. Specimens must be recieved within 2 hours of collection.

How It Works
- Plavix is a brand (trade) name for clopidogrel which inhibits the way platelets clump together (aggregate) to form clots and it may be used in several cardiovascular conditions to reduce the risk o...
- Its activity is thought to be due to its active metabolite, which inhibits the binding of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to its platelet receptor which indirectly inhibits platelet aggregation. This …
- Plavix is a brand (trade) name for clopidogrel which inhibits the way platelets clump together (aggregate) to form clots and it may be used in several cardiovascular conditions to reduce the risk o...
- Its activity is thought to be due to its active metabolite, which inhibits the binding of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to its platelet receptor which indirectly inhibits platelet aggregation. This a...
- Plavix belongs to the class of medicines known as P2Y12 inhibitors. It is also a type of antiplatelet medicine.
Upsides
- Plavix may be used for the treatment of unstable angina and for certain types of heart attack (myocardial infarction) to reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack. Plavix should be administered in...
- May also be given to people with established peripheral arterial disease or with a recent history of heart attacks or stroke to reduce the risk of a further heart attack or stroke.
- Plavix may be used for the treatment of unstable angina and for certain types of heart attack (myocardial infarction) to reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack. Plavix should be administered in...
- May also be given to people with established peripheral arterial disease or with a recent history of heart attacks or stroke to reduce the risk of a further heart attack or stroke.
- Can be administered as a loading dose (a bigger than normal, one-off dose) if an antiplatelet effect is needed within hours. Otherwise, it takes several days for the full antiplatelet effect of Pla...
- The dosage of Plavix does not need adjusting in people with liver disease.
Downsides
- If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: 1. An increased risk of bleeding from any wound, nosebleeds, blood in the urine, and an increased likelihood of bruising are the most commonly reported side effects. The risk of this side effect is increased when Plavix is tak…
Bottom Line
- Plavix may be given to reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke in certain cardiovascular conditions or following a heart attack or ischemic stroke. People who are poor metabolizers at CYP2C19 may not respond very well to Plavix. Bleeding is the main side effect of Plavix.
Tips
- May be taken with or without food.
- Take exactly as prescribed and do not discontinue except on a doctor's advice.
- Plavix is often taken in conjunction with aspirin. Your doctor will advise you if you need to take aspirin as well.
- Do not take omeprazole or esomeprazole while taking Plavix as these will reduce its activity. …
- May be taken with or without food.
- Take exactly as prescribed and do not discontinue except on a doctor's advice.
- Plavix is often taken in conjunction with aspirin. Your doctor will advise you if you need to take aspirin as well.
- Do not take omeprazole or esomeprazole while taking Plavix as these will reduce its activity. Talk to a pharmacist or your doctor before buying any over-the-counter medicine to check if it is compa...
Response and Effectiveness
- Plavix is rapidly absorbed but has to undergo metabolism via CYP2C19 enzymes in the liver to its active form. People who are poor metabolizers at CYP2C19 will have a poor response to Plavix.
- Even though the active form of Plavix doesn't last for very long in the body, its effect on platelets lasts for the lifetime of the platelet (7 to 10 days). Some inhibition of platelet clottin…
- Plavix is rapidly absorbed but has to undergo metabolism via CYP2C19 enzymes in the liver to its active form. People who are poor metabolizers at CYP2C19 will have a poor response to Plavix.
- Even though the active form of Plavix doesn't last for very long in the body, its effect on platelets lasts for the lifetime of the platelet (7 to 10 days). Some inhibition of platelet clotting is...
- In the event that the antiplatelet effect of Plavix needs to be reversed, platelet transfusions may be administered. However, these are less effective if given within 4 hours of a loading dose or w...
Interactions
- Medicines that interact with Plavix may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works for, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with Plavix. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed. Com…
References
- Plavix (clopidogrel) [Package Insert]. Revised: 03/2021. sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC https://www.drugs.com/pro/plavix.html
Further Information
- Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Plavix only for the indication prescribed. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Copyright 1996-2022 Drugs.com. Revision date: November 3, 2021. Medical Dis…