Pharmacokinetics and dynamics

Plavix® (clopidogrel) is a prodrug, which means that it is only converted into its active form in the organism (i.e. after administration). It takes 5-7 days before its full anticoagulant effect sets in. Although its physical half-life is only 7-8 hours, its effect lasts much longer. It is excreted in approximately equal proportions through the kidneys and liver (bile).

Fields of application

Plavix® is used for:Coronary heart disease However, ASA is the drug of choice for the above-mentioned indications. Clopidogrel is therefore mainly used in patients with ASA intolerance.

Coronary artery disease (CHD) – in this case the blood vessels that supply the heart (coronary arteries) are constricted by sclerotic processes and there is a risk of a blood clot (thrombus) forming, which can be carried away and then pose a serious risk. To protect against this (as a preventive measure), anticoagulants such as clopidogrel are given.
Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease (PAD) – here, blood vessels are constricted in a similar way to CHD, but not in the area of the heart, but rather in the area of the lower extremity (legs). Here too, anticoagulants are used to prevent thrombosis.
After a heart attack or stroke to keep the blood as fluid as possible to avoid another such incident.
In combination with ASA after stent implantation (stents are small tubes that are inserted into previously constricted vessels in order to open them further and thus ensure sufficient blood flow)

Side effects of Plavix

As with all anticoagulant drugs, Plavix also increases the risk of bleeding, which can manifest itself, for example, in the form of rather harmless nosebleeds and a tendency to bruising (haematomas), but also in the form of much more critical internal bleeding (e.g. in the gastrointestinal tract).In addition, the following side effects may occur under clopidogrel:

Headaches
Nausea
Swindle
Lassitude

Joint pain is a very rare possible side effect of Plavix®. Expressed in numbers, this means that joint pain is caused in about one in 10,000 patients taking the drug. However, since joint pain is generally very common, other causes of the symptoms, such as a flu-like infection, are much more likely.

If new joint pains occur while taking Plavix that do not disappear even after a few days, the patient’s family doctor can be asked for advice. One of the possible side effects listed for Plavix® is fatigue. However, it is a very unspecific symptom that can have many causes and only rarely is this medication responsible for it.

If new fatigue occurs over a longer period of time without a recognizable cause, the family doctor can be consulted so that he can get to the bottom of the problem by questioning and examining the cause. He or she will then be able to assess whether it might be a side effect of Plavix® or another drug taken, or whether another cause is more likely. An occasional side effect of Plavix® (in about one in a hundred users) is itching.

The symptom can either appear isolated and as part of an allergic reaction. The latter may be accompanied by a skin rash and the medication should be discontinued in consultation with the treating physician. If itching is the only symptom, it is best to wait and see if it disappears. However, if the itching persists and is perceived as too much of a nuisance, Plavix® may also have to be discontinued and another medication prescribed.