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Compare Plavix vs. Plavix

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Clopidogrel (Plavix) and heparin are both blood thinners, but they work differently and are used in different situations. Clopidogrel is an oral medication that prevents heart attacks and strokes by stopping platelets from clumping together. It is taken once a day and is available in a generic form. On the other hand, heparin is an injectable anticoagulant used to treat and prevent blood clots in various conditions, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Heparin works quickly but requires regular blood tests to monitor its effectiveness and is typically used in hospital settings. Unlike clopidogrel, heparin has an antidote called protamine for reversing its effects in case of severe bleeding. Additionally, heparin can cause a serious condition called heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), which is not a concern with clopidogrel. While clopidogrel is taken orally, heparin is administered through injections, making it less convenient for home use.

  • Clopidogrel (Plavix)
    Clopidogrel (Plavix)
  • Clopidogrel (Plavix)
    Clopidogrel (Plavix)

  • Summary of Plavix vs. Plavix

    Summary for P2Y12 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Clopidogrel (Plavix) is a prescription antiplatelet medication that helps lower your risk of heart attack or stroke. It works by stopping platelets in your blood from sticking together and forming clots. You take it as a tablet by mouth once a day, and it might be used alone or with aspirin in some situations. Since it's a blood thinner, the most common side effect is bleeding.

    Summary for P2Y12 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Clopidogrel (Plavix) is a prescription antiplatelet medication that helps lower your risk of heart attack or stroke. It works by stopping platelets in your blood from sticking together and forming clots. You take it as a tablet by mouth once a day, and it might be used alone or with aspirin in some situations. Since it's a blood thinner, the most common side effect is bleeding.

  • Indications of Plavix vs. Plavix

    Indications for
    •Lower the risk of heart attack or stroke in people with acute coronary syndrome (ACS)
    •Lower the risk of heart attack or stroke in people who recently had one, or who have peripheral artery disease
    Indications for
    •Lower the risk of heart attack or stroke in people with acute coronary syndrome (ACS)
    •Lower the risk of heart attack or stroke in people who recently had one, or who have peripheral artery disease

  • Pros and Cons of Plavix vs. Plavix

    Pros and Const for P2Y12 inhibitor
    Pros
    •Good choice for lowering the risk of heart attack or stroke
    •Tablet that's taken once a day by mouth
    •Can be taken with or without food
    Cons
    •Can cause major bleeding or bruising
    •Has many interactions with other medications
    •Might not work as well for people with East Asian descent
    Pros and Const for P2Y12 inhibitor
    Pros
    •Good choice for lowering the risk of heart attack or stroke
    •Tablet that's taken once a day by mouth
    •Can be taken with or without food
    Cons
    •Can cause major bleeding or bruising
    •Has many interactions with other medications
    •Might not work as well for people with East Asian descent

  • Common Side Effects of Plavix vs. Plavix

    Common Side Effects for
    •Minor bleeding (5%)
    •Major bleeding (4%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Minor bleeding (5%)
    •Major bleeding (4%)

  • Warnings of Plavix vs. Plavix

    Common Side Effects for
    •Clopidogrel (Plavix) not working as well
    •Bleeding
    •Risk of heart attack or stroke if stopped suddenly
    •Blood clotting condition
    •Allergic reaction
    Common Side Effects for
    •Clopidogrel (Plavix) not working as well
    •Bleeding
    •Risk of heart attack or stroke if stopped suddenly
    •Blood clotting condition
    •Allergic reaction

  • Prices with our coupons for Plavix vs. Plavix

    Learn more about Clopidogrel
    Learn more about Clopidogrel

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