Clopidogrel

• Take Clopidogrel every day at the same time, with or without food. 
• Swallow the tablet whole with some water. 
• The usual dose is 75 mg per day, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. 
• If you have difficulty swallowing, you may crush the tablet and mix it with water. 
• Do not stop taking the medicine unless your doctor advises you to. 

Each tablet contains 75 mg clopidogrel (as clopidogrel hydrogen bisulphate) and excipients such as lactose monohydrate and cellulose. Store Clopidogrel in the original packaging, out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date. You can return any leftover tablets to your pharmacy. 

• Common (in 1 to 10 out of 100 users): bleeding, bruising, nosebleeds, stomach or bowel problems such as abdominal pain or diarrhoea. 
• Sometimes: headache, dizziness, skin rash. 
• Rare (less than 1 in 1,000 users): severe bleeding, liver problems, allergic reactions. 

Contact your doctor if you experience severe or persistent side effects. 

Clopidogrel is safe for most people, but not suitable if you: 

• Are allergic to clopidogrel or any of the excipients. 
• Currently have active bleeding, such as a stomach ulcer or brain haemorrhage. 
• Have severe liver problems. 
• Speak to your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have problems with your kidneys or liver. 

Take extra care if you: 

• Have an increased risk of bleeding (for example, due to a condition or use of other blood thinners). 
• Have recently had surgery or are due to have surgery soon. 
• For men: if you notice blood in your urine or unexplained bruising. 
• For women: if you notice your periods are heavier than usual or if you have unusual bleeding.