Clopicard AP 75 Tablet (Aspirin 75/Clopidogrel 75)

INTRODUCTION

Clopicard AP 75 is a combination of Aspirin and Clopidogrel which belongs to the group of medicines called Antiplatelets. Clopicard AP 75 MG is used in the prevention of early and long-term atherothrombotic events such as myocardial infarction (also known as heart attack), stroke (reduced blood supply to brain leading to brain death), cardiovascular death, or refractory ischemia (chest pain due to inadequate blood supply to the heart) in patients having acute coronary syndrome with or without cardiac revascularization (including surgical or PCI, with or without stent insertion). Acute coronary syndrome is a heart condition caused by plaque rupture or clot formation in the coronary arteries. Symptoms include heart attack, chest pressure or pain while at rest, shortness of breath and sweating.

Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medicine that blocks the aggregation of platelets in the blood vessels and aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that irreversibly inhibits the activity of the enzymes involved in the production of platelets, thus reducing platelet aggregation in the coronary arteries leading to the prevention of fatal cardiac outcomes. Along treatment with CLOPICARD AP 75MG follow a healthy low-fat diet as advised by doctor to achieve better results.

Avoid drinking alcohol during treatment with CLOPICARD AP 75MG, as it could increase the risk of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Do not stop taking CLOPICARD AP 75MG abruptly without consulting your doctor because premature discontinuation of this medicine may increase the risk of cardiovascular events. CLOPICARD AP 75MG is not recommended for use in patients having severe liver, kidney, or lung disease.

CLOPICARD AP 75MG is generally not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women and in children (below 18 years). Consult your doctor for an alternative therapy. The most common side effects of taking CLOPICARD AP 75MG are diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain and indigestion. Contact your doctor if any of the symptoms worsen.

USES OF CLOPICARD AP 75MG

• To prevent atherothrombotic events (such as myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiovascular death, or refractory ischemia) in patients having acute coronary syndrome with or without cardiac revascularization (including surgical or PCI, with or without stent insertion)

HOW CLOPICARD AP 75MG WORKS

CLOPICARD AP 75MG reduces the risk of heart problems, where clopidogrel acts by irreversibly inhibiting platelet aggregation in the coronary arteries and aspirin acts by blocking an enzyme called cyclo-oxygenase 1 which is believed to be responsible for catalyzing the synthesis of platelets, thus leading to the prevention of fatal cardiac outcomes.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take CLOPICARD AP 75MG as advised by your physician. Swallow CLOPICARD AP 75MG with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.

SIDE EFFECTS OF CLOPICARD AP 75MG

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Nausea and vomiting:

Try to take CLOPICARD AP 75MG with or just after a meal or a snack. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating rich or spicy food. Consult your doctor if the symptom did not improve.

Diarrhea:

Drink lots of fluids, such as water or fruit juices to keep yourself hydrated. Avoid taking any medicine on your own for treating diarrhea. Consult your doctor if the symptom did not improve.

Headache:  

Rest and relax. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or electrolytes. Apply a pain-relieving balm on the head if required. Do not consume too much of alcohol. Consult your doctor if the symptom did not improve.

Dizziness:

Try to rest and relax. Get enough sleep. Avoid driving or operating any tools or machines while you are feeling dizzy. Do not consume too much of alcohol, as it can aggravate your dizziness. Consult your doctor if the symptom did not improve.

Flatulence:

Eat smaller and frequent meals. Eat and drink slowly, and exercise regularly. Consult your doctor if the symptom did not improve.

Constipation:

Eat fiber rich foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables and cereals and drink plenty of water. Try to exercise more regularly. Consult your doctor if the symptom did not improve on its own.

Indigestion:

Eat only when you are hungry. Try to eat smaller portions at a time. Always try to have a nutritious snack that is high in calories and protein, such as dried fruit and nuts. Consult your doctor if the symptom did not improve.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Before taking CLOPICARD AP 75MG inform to your doctor, if you are taking any of these medicines:

• Other anticoagulant medicines used to prevent blood clots (Ex. warfarin, heparin, coumarin) or dipyridamole
• Medicines used to treat stomach ulcers such as antacids (Ex. aluminium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide) and proton-pump inhibitors (Ex. omeprazole or esomeprazole)
• Other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ex. ibuprofen, paracetamol)
• Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (used during percutaneous coronary intervention) Ex. abciximab, eptifibatide, and tirofiban
• Medicines used to treat heart problems or hypertension (Ex. captopril, enalapril, lisinopril)
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (used to treat depression) Ex. fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine etc.
• Methotrexate (used to treat cancer and other auto immune diseases)
• Diuretics (used to increase urine output) Ex. furosemide, chlorothiazide
• Acetazolamide (used to treat or prevent altitude sickness)
• Digoxin (used to treat abnormal heart rate)
• Lithium (used to treat metal illness)
• Corticosteroids (used to treat pain and inflammation) Ex. prednisolone, dexamethasone
• Medicines used to treat epilepsy (Ex. phenytoin, valproic acid)
• Ciclosporin or tacrolimus (used to prevent graft rejection or treat auto-immune disease)
• Ticlopidine (an antiplatelet medicine used to prevent heart problems)
• Medicines used to treat gout (such as probenecid, sulfinpyrazone or benzbromarone)
• Fluconazole or voriconazole (used to treat fungal infection)
• Medicines used to treat HIV infection (Ex. efavirenz or tenofovir)
• Varicella vaccine (used to prevent chickenpox or shingles)
• Moclobemide (a medicine used to treat depression)
• Medicines used to control blood glucose level (Ex. glipizide, gliclazide, glimepiride, repaglinide)
• Paclitaxel (used to treat certain forms of cancer)
• Nicorandil (used to treat chest pain)
• Mifepristone (abortion pill)
• Metoclopramide (used to prevent vomiting)

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else take too much of CLOPICARD AP 75MG, contact your doctor immediately or go to a hospital straight away. Overdosage symptoms of CLOPICARD AP 75MG might include increased bleeding, confusion, disorientation, coma, convulsions, vomiting, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), vertigo (spinning sensation), sweating, warm extremities with bounding pulses, increased respiratory rate, hyperventilation, low blood sugar levels, low potassium and platelets levels in blood, increased body temperature, kidney failure, respiratory alkalosis, metabolic acidosis and pulmonary edema (non-cardiac related).