Lowplat 75mg Tablets

Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medicine. It makes blood cells called platelets less sticky, so they are less likely to clump together and form clots.

It is used to lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people who:

• have had a heart attack, stroke or mini-stroke (TIA)
• have angina or other conditions that raise the risk of clots

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, usually once a day.

• Swallow the tablet whole with water, with or without food.
• If you miss a dose and remember within 12 hours, take it then. If it is more than 12 hours late, skip it. Never take 2 doses to make up.
• Do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to. Stopping can raise the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
• You may need to stop it for a short time before surgery or dental work, but only when your doctor or dentist says so.

Common side effects include:

• bleeding more easily, such as nosebleeds, bruising, heavier periods or cuts that take longer to stop
• diarrhoea
• stomach pain, indigestion or heartburn

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• blood in your urine, or red or black, tarry poo
• coughing or vomiting blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• a nosebleed lasting more than 10 to 15 minutes
• any head injury, or a sudden severe headache, confusion, slurred speech or weakness
• yellow skin or eyes, extreme tiredness or signs of infection
• swelling of the lips, mouth or throat, or trouble breathing

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have had a stomach ulcer or bleeding in the brain
• have a bleeding disorder such as haemophilia
• have recently had surgery or a serious injury
• have liver or kidney problems
• take other blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, ticagrelor and others), ibuprofen or similar painkillers, SSRI antidepressants, omeprazole or esomeprazole, rosuvastatin, rifampicin, carbamazepine, efavirenz, pioglitazone or repaglinide
• use St John's wort or ginkgo

Paracetamol is usually fine for pain relief.

Store as directed on the pack or leaflet, and keep out of the sight and reach of children. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.

Bleeding: tell any doctor, dentist or pharmacist treating you that you take clopidogrel.

Alcohol: you can drink within recommended limits, but heavy drinking can irritate your stomach and raise the risk of an ulcer.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: it is not often used in pregnancy but may be continued if needed. Talk to your doctor and do not stop on your own. If breastfeeding, watch your baby for bruising, bleeding or poor feeding.

Driving: it does not usually affect your ability to drive.