Plavix (Clopigogrel) has been around for awhile now. There are multitudes of studies, articles, research results, and news items being reported about Plavix constantly. One search on the internet will net millions of results in an instant. While all of the information is helpful to someone, sometimes it is a little more extensive or technical than the average person may need in their investigation or personal research. The focus of this article is to attempt to explain a few things about Plavix (Clopidogrel) in simple terms.

What is Plavix?

Plavix is a trade name for Clopidogrel Bisulphate, which is an antiplatelet medication proven to help blood platelets from sticking together. It is often prescribed to patients that have had a heart attack or stroke. Plavix (Clopidogrel) is used in situations where future risk of these occurances may be present. Plavix (Clopidogrel) is often used in the treatment of coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, and cerebrovascular disease as well.

In the human body, there is a natural substance, called ADP- Adenosine Biphosphate. It is present in the bloodstream and binds to it's receptors on blood platelets. ADP is a chemical that causes clumping, or aggregation of platelets that begin the process of blood clotting. One of the leading causes of heart attack or stroke is blood clotting. It is a blood clot in an artery supplying blood to the brain or heart that can cause such an occurrence.

How Does Plavix (Clopidogrel) Work?

Plavix works by helping to prevent ADP from binding to its receptors on platelets. Because Plavix (Clopidogrel) stops ADP from binding to platelets, it reduces the likelihood of clots forming. In simple terms, Plavix (Clopidogrel) is an an inhibitor of ADP induced platelet clumping.

Clopidogrel is the active ingredient in Plavix, which is sometimes called a "blood-thinning" medicine. ("Blood Thinner" is a term used by professionals to present an explanation that patients can relate to). Plavix (Clopidogrel) actually causes the blood to become "less sticky".

Blood clot formation can be extremely dangerous for other reasons, too. A clot in a blood vessel can cause a blockage- and cutting off supply to an organ or a clot in a blood vessel in the legs or arms can cause gangrene. For someone that has already had a heart attack or stroke, there is the risk of it happening again. Plavix is designed to deter the process of blood clot formation by inhibiting the elements that cause them in the first place, and thus decreasing the likelihood of future occurrence.

Who Should Take Plavix (Clopidogrel)?

The best possible source of information and advice regarding your health or health maintenance plan, is your physician. Clot formation is the cause of most heart attacks and strokes, and your doctor may have suggested or prescribed Plavix (Clopidogrel) if you have recently had a stroke or heart attack; if you have been diagnosed with Periphery Artery Disease; were recently hospitalized with heart related chest pain, ie; unstable angina or non-Q-wave heart attack.

Because of the dangers of blood clotting, your physician may suggest Plavix (Clopidogrel) as a treatment to inhibit the formation of clots and clustering, therefore reducing risk of future events.

If you are currently using medications prescribed for blood pressure and cholesterol, keep in mind that they help reduce overall heart and blood-related risks, but they do not inhibit the formation of clots. This is the function of Plavix (Clopidogrel).

If you and your doctor have decided on Plavix (Clopidogrel), the treatment should be administered as directed. Plavix (Clopidogrel) is widely prescribed in a 75mg dose, taken once a day. Treatment should not be started or stopped without the advice of your physician.

*The content herein is not intended as advice and does not replace advice or methods prescribed by your doctor.