7 Plavix Side Effects and How to Manage Them

Plavix (clopidogrel) is a commonly prescribed antiplatelet medication. You might take an antiplatelet like Plavix after experiencing a heart attack or stroke to protect your heart. Or you may take it to prevent heart problems if you’ve been told you have a high risk of developing blood clots.

Regardless, Plavix is considered an effective medication to take after a heart-related event. Some people take it for a shorter period, while others take it for 12 months or longer.

If you or someone you know has started taking Plavix, it’s helpful to know what to expect, including the potential side effects.

Plavix side effects at a glance

Plavix is a fairly well-tolerated medication, overall. Side effects tend to be more common in people taking Plavix with certain interacting medications. They’re also more likely for people who have certain genes that change the way their bodies break down the medication.

Common Plavix side effects include:

• Bleeding that takes longer than normal to stop

• Bruising

• Headache

• Nose bleeds

• Itchy skin

• Changes in taste

• Stomach upset

• Diarrhea

Less common but potentially serious side effects include:

• Severe bleeding

• Confusion or hallucinations

• Vision changes

• Liver damage

• Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)

• Heart-related issues (when the medication is suddenly stopped)

• Severe allergic reactions

Let’s explore seven notable side effects of Plavix and how to manage them.

1. Bleeding

The most common Plavix side effect is bleeding. It’s normal to bleed more than usual, such as when you’re brushing your teeth or during your menstrual cycle, while taking the medication. This happens because Plavix stops platelets in your blood from sticking together and forming clots.

Plavix-related bleeding can range from mild to severe. But the risk of problematic bleeding is higher for certain people. Individuals with a history of bleeding events, such as a stomach ulcer or brain bleed, are a top example. There’s also a higher risk of serious bleeding for people who take other medications that thin the blood.

If you notice any signs or symptoms of serious bleeding, let your cardiologist know right away. They may recommend that you seek prompt medical treatment. Examples of symptoms of serious bleeding include:

• Blood in your urine

• Red or black stool

• Bleeding that won’t stop

• Coughing up blood

• Severe vomiting, or vomit that’s bloody or looks like coffee grounds

2. Bruising

Bruising after an injury, such as smashing your hand in a drawer, is normal. But it’s possible that you’ll bruise more easily while taking Plavix. 

Bruises happen when an injury causes blood to collect under the skin, making a mark that initially appears red or purple in color. As your body repairs the damage, bruises can change hues, appearing blue, green, or yellow over time.

Some bruises are harmless, while others are a sign of something more significant. So how do you know if your bruising is serious? A healthcare professional is best equipped to make that call. Contact your cardiologist right away if you notice the following:

• Changes in how often or where you see bruises on your body

• Large bruises without a clear cause

• Bruises that don’t heal or improve over time

3. Headache

Headaches are another common Plavix side effect. They’re usually mild and get better as your body adjusts to the medication. Staying hydrated and keeping your stress levels low when possible can help to reduce headaches.

Over-the-counter (OTC) headache medications are another option. Just be sure to ask your cardiologist which medications are safe for you to try. Taking Plavix with certain medications — namely nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — may increase your risk of bleeding. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally the safest headache medication to pair with Plavix.

In rare cases, headaches related to Plavix can be intense and persistent, even with treatment. It’s important to know when to go to the ER for headache relief. If your cardiologist thinks that your headaches are related to Plavix, they may change your dosage to help address your symptoms.

4. Changes in taste

Some people occasionally notice differences in their sense of taste after starting treatment with Plavix. These changes may include a loss of taste or a bitter or sour taste in the mouth.

The good news is that this side effect is usually temporary. Any changes in taste should resolve with time or after you stop taking Plavix. In the meantime, maintaining good oral hygiene and staying well hydrated can minimize your symptoms. Chewing sugar-free gum can also make a difference.

5. Itchiness

Some people temporarily develop itchy skin after starting treatment with Plavix. It may be difficult, but it’s best to avoid scratching as much as you can if you experience this side effect. Scratching too much can create breaks in your skin — potentially leading to bleeding, infection, or other skin reactions.

Here are a few things you can try to help reduce itchiness:

• Avoid harsh soaps and detergents.

• Wear loose-fitting clothes.

• Apply gentle moisturizers or cold compresses to your skin.

• Use a humidifier to keep your skin hydrated, especially if you live in a dry area.

While these measures can be helpful, they may be enough to address your symptoms. Call your cardiologist if you have itchiness that’s severe or doesn’t respond to topical anti-itch treatments.

Also keep in mind that, while rare, severe allergic reactions are possible with Plavix. If you develop symptoms of a serious allergic reaction — such as a fast-spreading rash accompanied by facial or throat swelling — call 911 or go to the nearest ER.

6. Certain gut-related issues

Diarrhea and stomach upset are common side effects of many medications, including Plavix. These stomach issues usually go away within a few days, but there are a few management techniques you can try in the meantime.

Diarrhea

If you develop diarrhea while taking Plavix, make sure to drink plenty of fluids. It’s important to replenish the fluids that you're losing to avoid dehydration. You may also be able to take an OTC anti-diarrheal medication, such as loperamide (Imodium A-D), if needed. But make sure to check with your pharmacist or cardiologist before trying anything new.

If your diarrhea is severe, getting worse, or isn’t improving after a couple of days, reach out to your cardiologist. Many health conditions — and other medications — can cause diarrhea, so Plavix may not be the only culprit.

Stomach upset

Temporary diet changes can often settle an upset stomach. You can try eating smaller but more frequent meals, avoiding spicy and greasy trigger foods, and staying extra hydrated. OTC nausea medications may also help, if needed. 

Call your cardiologist immediately if you develop bloody diarrhea or vomit that resembles coffee grounds. These are possible symptoms of internal bleeding.

7. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a very rare but serious side effect that can occur while taking Plavix. TTP occurs when multiple blood clots form in blood vessels throughout your body, and it’s a medical emergency.

Possible symptoms of TTP include:

• Purpura (small purple, red, or brown spots on your skin)

• Sudden weakness

• Fever and chills

• Confusion and dizziness

• Seizures

• Stomach pain with nausea or vomiting

If you develop signs or symptoms of TTP, call 911 or go to the nearest ER. The longer you wait to receive treatment, the more likely serious health issues become. 

When should you contact a healthcare professional about Plavix side effects?

Most Plavix side effects, such as minor bleeding, bruising, or headaches, are manageable at home. But if you can’t find relief or you’re concerned about your symptoms, talk to your cardiologist.

Certain side effects, such as serious bleeding and TTP, warrant more immediate medical attention. Keeping a log of any symptoms you experience can help you tell when your symptoms change or get more serious.

If you haven’t started taking Plavix yet, consider asking your cardiologist or pharmacist about genetic testing. It’s possible that a certain part of your DNA can affect how your body will react to Plavix. If taking Plavix is likely to cause you a lot of side effects or not be effective, there are alternative medications available.

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Written by:

Taylor K. Clarke, PharmD

Taylor K. Clarke, PharmD, has 8 years of pharmacy experience working in community practice, hospital pharmacy, and ambulatory care pharmacy. Taylor's commitment to patient education motivated her to pursue health communications as a pharmacist.

Edited by:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

Reviewed by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

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