Plavix is a prescription medication that should be taken on a daily basis to help lessen the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. In general, individuals who have recently suffered either a heart attack or stroke are the people who are recommended to take Plavix. It is also diagnosed for people who have had peripheral artery disease (PAD). As with any medication, there are some potentially negative side effects taking Plavix.
Common Side Effects
The two most common side effects of using Plavix are relatively minor and also very rare. The two most prevalent Plavix side effects are minor bleeding and bruising very easily. These side effects are generally considered harmless, but if they cease to stop or become particularly bothersome, you should seek medical attention.
Severe Side Effects
There are also severally potentially dangerous side effects associated with taking Plavix. These more harmful side effects include vision changes, changes in the amount of urine, bloody or dark urine, yellowing of eyes or skin (like jaundice), speech issues, increased menstrual flow, vaginal bleeding, appetite loss, gum bleeding during tooth brushing, chest tightness, chest pain, fever, sore throat, headache, seizures, pale skin, weakness, unexplained bruises, weight loss and more. If you experience any of these, you should cease using Plavix and seek immediate medical attention.
Allergic Reactions
Those who use Plavix might experience some allergic reactions as well. If you notice signs of severe allergic reaction, including having a hard time breathing, itching, breaking out into hives or unexplained rashes on the skin, you should discontinue use of the medication and consult a doctor.
Excessive Bleeding
Plavix can increase your chances of experiencing the negative and potentially fatal side effect of excessive bleeding. If you notice that it takes a long time for bleeding to stop, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some symptoms that you should pay attention to are bloody nose, blood in the urine or stools, vomiting blood, or red or purple spots appearing on the skin.
Uncommon Side Effects
There are also some side effects of Plavix that are very rare and occur in less than 2 percent of people who take the medication. Some of these side effects include platelet decrease, hypertension (high blood pressure), depression, anemia, decrease of certain cells within the immune system, urinary tract infection and ulcer or stomach bleeding. If you experience any of these more rare side effects, you should notify your physician as well.
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