Plavix is a drug designed to keep the platelets in the blood from coagulating, as a result blocking the development of blood clots. It is prescribed to patients with heart or blood vessel conditions that increase the risk of clotting. Most often it is used in patients who have recently survived a stroke or a heart attack.
Since Plavix generally slows down the blood coagulation process and thus can make you bleed easily even from a small injury. This includes possible internal bleeding, in the stomach or intestines, for example. If you have a bleeding that refuses to be stopped, if you cough up blood, have black stool or dark vomit, contact your physician at once or call emergency help. If you are to have any type of surgery, warn the operating surgeon in advance that you are on Plavix. It is highly probable that you will be asked to stop taking the drug for at least 5 days prior to the surgery. In any case, the doctors ought to know you are likely to have a stronger bleeding than the surgery requires. If you are going to have any dental work, remember that your dentist needs to be informed about Plavix, as well.
To make the Plavix treatment regimen easier for you, exclude sports and all other activities that could cause bruising from your lifestyle for a while. Be very careful when brushing your teeth, shaving, trimming your nails and doing household chores. Also, it is better to avoid alcohol since it can increase the risk of stomach/intestines bleeding.
