Cardiology - Clopidogrel 600mg Tablets

Your doctor has recommended that you have Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI).

Why do I need to have Clopidogrel?

If you require a stent, then you must have extra thin blood for the procedure. This will reduce the risk of blood clots developing when the stent is placed in position in the coronary artery, as a blood clot may become a heart attack.

To ensure your blood is extra thin for the procedure, and to reduce the risk of developing blood clots, you have been given a total of 600mg of Clopidogrel tablets to take the night before you come to Ward 1 at Fairfield General Hospital.

Why 600mg of Clopidogrel?

The Clopidogrel dose of 600mg is “off label” use of a licensed drug. This means that using Clopidogrel at this strength is outside its licensed indication. However, Clopidogrel 600mg is the usual dose given before having stents.

This dose reduces the risk of clots developing during the procedure. Clopidogrel is a licensed drug and has been rigorously studied and trialled.

Clopidogrel 600mg is recommended by your consultant cardiologist, is supported by research and studies, and is usual and accepted clinical practice within the speciality of interventional cardiology.

When should I take the Clopidogrel tablets and what should I do with my normal tablets?

If you are taking Warfarin or other blood thinning tablets such as Apixaban/Rivaroxaban/Dabigatran you should already have been informed of when to stop taking it. If not, please contact the cardiology specialist nurse on 0161 778 2450 or Ward 1 on 0161
778 2501.

1. The evening before you come into Ward 1, take all the Clopidogrel tablets (8 of the 75mg tablets), a total of 600mg, with a glass of water.
2. Take all your usual tablets as you would normally. Continue to take your Aspirin and Clopidogrel if you are already prescribed it.
3. The next morning, when you are coming into Ward 1, take all your usual morning tablets with a glass of water. If you take diabetes medications, these will have been discussed with you in clinic, refer to your individual diabetes plan discussed in clinic.

Any questions please contact the cardiology specialist nurse on 0161 778 2450 or Ward 1 on 0161 778 2501.

What are the side effects of Clopidogrel?

The side effects of taking the 600mg dose of Clopidogrel may be dyspepsia (indigestion), abdominal pain, diarrhoea, bleeding disorders, bruising and itchy skin.

Refer to the patient information leaflet enclosed in the box of tablets if you require more detailed information.

If you have any questions about the Clopidogrel tablets please do not hesitate to contact the cardiology specialist nurse on 0161 778 2450 or Ward 1 on 0161 778 2501.

Do I need to still take Clopidogrel after the procedure?

After the procedure, you will be advised on Ward 1 about taking Clopidogrel regularly as a smaller dose of 75mgs daily, to reduce the risk of blood clots in the stent.

You must not stop taking the Clopidogrel unless you have been advised to do so by a cardiologist and you must inform any other doctors caring for you, and also your dentist, that you are taking Clopidogrel.

My date has changed for the procedure what should I do?

If your procedure is delayed you should keep your Clopidogrel tablets in the original box and store them in a safe place, out of the reach of children. Take your tablets as instructed in accordance with your new date for the procedure.

If your procedure is cancelled, you will not require the Clopidogrel tablets and should take the tablets to your local pharmacy or hospital pharmacy for disposal.