Clopidogrel

In Aotearoa New Zealand clopidogrel is available as 75 mg tablets. It’s also called Arrow-Clopid® or Clopidogrel Multichem®.

• The usual dose of clopidogrel is 1 tablet once a day. 
• You may be given a starting dose of 4 tablets (300 mg) or more the first time you take it.

Always take your clopidogrel exactly as your healthcare provider has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much clopidogrel to take, how often to take it, and any special instructions. 

• Timing: Take clopidogrel once a day, at the same time each day. Swallow your tablet with a glass of water.
• Food: You can take clopidogrel with or without food.
• Missed dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s less than 12 hours until your next dose, wait until the next day and take your dose at the usual time. Don’t take double the dose.

Here are some things to know when you're taking clopidogrel. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

• Other medicines:
  • Clopidogrel interacts with some medicines, especially anti-inflammatories such as diclofenac (eg, Voltaren®) and ibuprofen (eg, Nurofen®). These can also be found in some cold and flu medicines (eg, Nurofen Cold and Flu®). Taking these together with clopidogrel may increase your risk of bleeding and should be avoided.

  • Clopidogrel may also interact with herbal supplements (eg, St John’s Wort, garlic, gingko or ginseng) and rongoā Māori. Check with your healthcare provider before starting clopidogrel and before starting any new products.

• Grapefruit, grapefruit juice or sour/Seville oranges: Avoid grapefruit, grapefruit juice or foods containing grapefruit while taking clopidogrel. It can increase your chance of side effects. Read more about grapefruit and medicines(external link).
• Keep taking clopidogrel regularly: You may just need to take it for a short time, but may take it long-term. Your prescriber will advise you about how long to take it for. Speak to your doctor or nurse before stopping it. 
• Surgical procedures including dental work: It's important to let healthcare providers know that you're taking clopidogrel. You may need to stop taking clopidogrel for several days before having surgery.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Talk to your healthcare provider if you're pregnant, planning a pregnancy or want to breastfeed.

Like all medicines, clopidogrel can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects include diarrhoea (runny poo), stomach pain and indigestion or heartburn. These usually go away with time. Tell your doctor if they bother you.

You might bleed or bruise more easily while you're taking clopidogrel, especially with other anticoagulants or aspirin

• Be careful when shaving, clipping fingernails, brushing and flossing your teeth, or playing sports.
• Avoid new tattoos and piercings as these can cause bruising and bleeding.
• If you have a fall or hurt your head or body, get medical attention immediately, even if you feel okay.
• Some types of bleeding are more serious than others. If bleeding concerns you, is heavier than usual or takes an unusually long time to stop, you should talk to your healthcare provider quickly.