Related drugs
- Ticlopidine – it uses the same mechanism of action as Plavix® (clopidogrel), but has been largely ousted by its partner with fewer side effects due to the possible development of severe leukopenia (a sharp drop in white blood cell count) as a side effect
- Abciximab, eptifibatide, tirofiban – they also inhibit primary hemostasis, but not by the same mechanism as clopidogrel, they block another receptor (glycoprotein-IIb/IIIa) and thus prevent platelet aggregation (cross-linking of blood platelets) by fibrinogen.
- Heparin, Clexane, Coumarins – they inhibit in the area of secondary hemostasis by impairing – in various ways – the function of coagulation factors. Accordingly, they are not called platelet aggregation inhibitors (because they do not inhibit platelets), but anticoagulants.
When is a Plavix® “non responder”?
If the desired effect of platelet inhibition does not occur or is insufficient in a patient who takes Plavix® regularly, this is called “non responder”. The reasons for this can be many and varied and the mechanisms for the lack of response are still largely unexplained. If an event occurs while taking the drug that Plavix® is supposed to prevent (e.g. a new heart attack), another drug should be tested if necessary.
What do I do if I forget to take Plavix®?
If you have forgotten to take Plavix® and notice this within the next twelve hours, you should take it immediately. The next tablet should then simply be taken at the planned time. If you do not notice this until after more than twelve hours, however, you should stop taking it altogether and take the next tablet at the usual time. Under no circumstances should you take double the dose instead, as this would lead to excessive inhibition of the platelets and thus increase the risk of bleeding.
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