APX-Clopidogrel/Aspirin 75/100 (Clopidogrel And Aspirin)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is APX-Clopidogrel/Aspirin 75/100 Used For?
APX-Clopidogrel/Aspirin 75/100 is a combination medication that helps prevent dangerous blood clots from forming in your blood vessels.
Primary Uses
This medication is used to prevent blood clots forming in hardened blood vessels (atherothrombosis) which can lead to stroke, heart attack or death. You may have been prescribed this if you have suffered from unstable angina (severe chest pain) or had a heart attack.
How It Works
This medicine belongs to a group called anti-platelet medicines. Platelets are very small blood cells that clump together during blood clotting. By preventing this clumping, the medication reduces the chances of blood clots forming.
Good to know: This medication is only available on a doctor’s prescription and should be used under medical supervision.
How to Take APX-Clopidogrel/Aspirin 75/100
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow their directions carefully as they may differ from general information.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dose is one tablet daily. Each tablet contains 75 mg clopidogrel and 100 mg aspirin. You may receive a starting dose of 300 mg clopidogrel, then one tablet daily. Take the tablet during or immediately after a meal with a glass of water. Take it at about the same time each day for best effect.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you are meant to. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. If you’re unsure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Things taste different
- Hunger
- Ringing in the ears
- Fast, pounding heartbeat
- Diarrhea
- Itching
- Flushing
- Trembling
- Joint pain or stiffness
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Anemia (being tired and looking pale)
- Coughing up blood
- Blood in urine or eyes
- Unusually heavy bleeding or oozing from cuts
- Bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
- Heavy or unexpected menstrual bleeding
- Tightness of chest, wheezing, difficulty breathing
- Swelling of face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat
- Severe skin reaction (DRESS)
- Bloody or black bowel motions
- Diarrhea with blood, mucus, stomach pain and fever
- Vomiting blood or coffee-ground-like vomit
- Severe continuing headache
- Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
- Fever or signs of infection
- Muscle weakness or pain
- Faintness or dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Fluid buildup causing swelling
- Rash or hives
- Red or purple spots on skin
- Yellowing of skin or whites of eyes
- Confusion or hallucinations
- Numbness or coordination problems
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings you need to know before taking this medication.
Who Should Not Take APX-Clopidogrel/Aspirin 75/100
Do not use if you are allergic to clopidogrel, aspirin, salicylates, anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) or any ingredients. Do not use if you have a medical condition causing bleeding such as haemophilia, stomach ulcer or bleeding within your head or bowel. Do not use if you have severe liver disease, asthma, rhinitis or nasal polyps.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: bleeding disorders, recent serious injury or surgery, liver or kidney disease, recent stroke history, stomach ulcers or digestive problems, inherited diseases causing galactose intolerance, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, gout, asthma or allergies. Also inform them if you’re planning surgery in the next two weeks.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not use in the third trimester of pregnancy. Not recommended during first and second trimesters as it may harm your unborn baby. Do not take if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed as the medication passes into breast milk.
Bleeding Risk: This medication increases bleeding risk. Tell all healthcare providers you’re taking it before any surgery or dental work.
Drug Interactions
Many medications can interact with APX-Clopidogrel/Aspirin 75/100. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
- Additional aspirin or clopidogrel (already contained in this medication)
- Blood thinners like heparins and warfarin
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen
- Nicorandil (for angina)
- Steroids like hydrocortisone
- Bupropion
- Diazepam
- Gout medicines
- Antidepressant medicines
- Antiretrovirals like tenofovir
- Antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, fluconazole and voriconazole
- Varicella vaccine
- Methotrexate
- Acetazolamide (for glaucoma)
- Epilepsy medicines like carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin and valproic acid
- Diabetes medicines like tolbutamide, repaglinide and chlorpropamide
- Cancer medicines like tamoxifen and paclitaxel
- Levothyroxine (for thyroid)
- Fluvastatin (cholesterol medicine)
- ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor antagonists plus thiazide diuretics
- Proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole
- Opiate pain relief medicines
- Rosuvastatin (cholesterol medicine)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with alcohol consumption and driving while taking this medication.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Alcohol consumption may affect how well the medication works and may increase blood loss and stomach irritation.
Driving and Operating Machinery
This medication may cause faintness or dizziness in some people. Make sure you know how you react to the medication before driving or operating machinery. If you experience faintness or dizziness, do not drive. Alcohol may make these effects worse.
Storage
Keep tablets in the blister pack until it’s time to take them. Store in a cool, dry place where temperature stays below 25°C, away from moisture, heat or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep where young children cannot reach it – a locked cupboard at least one and a half metres above ground is ideal.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much APX-Clopidogrel/Aspirin 75/100, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
The medication works by preventing platelets from clumping together to form blood clots. You should take it for as long as your doctor continues to prescribe it for ongoing protection against blood clots.
Yes, you should take APX-Clopidogrel/Aspirin 75/100 during or immediately after a meal with a glass of water.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without telling your doctor. Follow the instructions provided and use the medication until your doctor tells you to stop.
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Alcohol consumption may affect how well the medication works and may increase blood loss and stomach irritation. Your doctor can provide more specific guidance.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you’re meant to. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
APX-Clopidogrel/Aspirin 75/100 may increase the risk of bleeding during operations or dental work. Your doctor will decide whether to stop the medication and if so, how long before surgery or dental procedures.
Tell your doctor immediately if you are injured while taking APX-Clopidogrel/Aspirin 75/100. It may take longer than usual to stop bleeding while you are taking this medication.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.