DuoCover (Clopidogrel And Aspirin)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is DuoCover Used For?
DuoCover is a combination medication that helps protect your cardiovascular system by preventing dangerous blood clots from forming.
Primary Uses
DuoCover is prescribed to prevent blood clots forming in hardened blood vessels (atherothrombosis) which can lead to stroke, heart attack or death. It may be prescribed if you have suffered from unstable angina (severe chest pain) or have had a heart attack.
How It Works
DuoCover contains two active ingredients that work together as anti-platelet medicines. Platelets are very small blood cells that clump together during blood clotting. By preventing this clumping, DuoCover reduces the chances of blood clots forming in your blood vessels.
Medical supervision: DuoCover is only available with a doctor’s prescription and should be used under medical supervision.
How to Take DuoCover
Take DuoCover exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Following the instructions carefully will help ensure the medication works effectively for you.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dose is one tablet daily, taken during or immediately after a meal with a glass of water. Each tablet contains 75 mg clopidogrel and 100 mg aspirin. You may receive a starting dose of 300 mg clopidogrel, then continue with one DuoCover tablet daily. Take it at about the same time each day for best results and to help you remember.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. If you’re unsure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Continue taking DuoCover for as long as your doctor prescribes it.
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 (tiredness and pale appearance)
- Coughing up blood
- Blood in urine or eyes
- Unusually heavy bleeding from cuts or wounds
- Easy bruising or nosebleeds
- Heavy or unexpected menstrual bleeding
- Chest tightness, wheezing, difficulty breathing
- Swelling of face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat
- Severe skin reaction (DRESS)
- Bloody or black bowel movements
- Diarrhea with blood, mucus, stomach pain and fever
- Vomiting blood or coffee-ground-like vomit
- Severe continuing headache
- Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
- Muscle weakness or pain
- Faintness, dizziness, or blurred vision
- Rash, hives, or red/purple spots on skin
- Yellowing of skin or eyes
- Confusion or hallucinations
- Numbness or coordination problems
Important Warnings
There are several important safety considerations before taking DuoCover. Make sure to discuss your medical history with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take DuoCover
Do not take DuoCover if you are allergic to clopidogrel, aspirin, salicylates, or anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Also avoid if you have a medical condition causing bleeding (like haemophilia, stomach ulcer, or bleeding in your head or bowel), severe liver disease, asthma with rhinitis or nasal polyps, or if the packaging is damaged or expired.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have bleeding disorders, recent serious injury or surgery, liver or kidney disease, history of stroke, stomach ulcers or digestive problems, inherited diseases causing galactose intolerance, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, gout, asthma, or allergies to other antiplatelet medicines. Also inform them if you’re planning surgery or dental work in the next two weeks.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not use DuoCover during the third trimester of pregnancy. It’s recommended not to take this medicine during the first and second trimesters as it may harm your unborn baby. Do not take DuoCover if you are breastfeeding, as it passes into breast milk and may affect your baby.
Bleeding Risk: DuoCover increases bleeding risk. Tell all healthcare providers you’re taking it before any surgery or dental work, as treatment may need to be stopped beforehand.
Drug Interactions
Many medications can interact with DuoCover and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking.
- Additional aspirin or clopidogrel (DuoCover already contains both)
- 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, voriconazole
- Varicella vaccine
- Methotrexate
- Acetazolamide (for glaucoma)
- Epilepsy medicines like carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, valproic acid
- Diabetes medicines like tolbutamide, repaglinide, chlorpropamide
- Cancer medicines like tamoxifen and paclitaxel
- Levothyroxine (for thyroid)
- Fluvastatin and rosuvastatin (cholesterol medicines)
- Blood pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor antagonists, thiazide diuretics)
- Proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole
- Opiate pain medicines
Alcohol & Driving
DuoCover can affect your ability to drive safely and may interact with alcohol. Take precautions to ensure your safety and that of others.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Alcohol consumption may affect how well DuoCover works and may increase blood loss and stomach irritation. Ask your doctor for specific guidance about alcohol use while taking this medication.
Driving and Operating Machinery
DuoCover may cause faintness or dizziness in some people. Make sure you know how you react to DuoCover before driving a car or operating machinery. If you experience faintness or dizziness, do not drive. These effects may be worse if you drink alcohol.
Storage
Keep DuoCover tablets in their original blister pack until it’s time to take them. Store in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C, away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Don’t store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children – a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground is ideal.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much DuoCover, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Contact the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you don’t feel unwell or show signs of poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
DuoCover begins working to prevent blood clots soon after you take it. However, you may receive a starting dose of 300 mg clopidogrel before beginning the regular daily dose for optimal effect.
Yes, you should take DuoCover during or immediately after a meal with a glass of water. This helps with absorption and reduces potential stomach irritation.
Do not stop taking DuoCover suddenly without telling your doctor. You should continue taking it for as long as your doctor prescribes it to maintain protection against blood clots.
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Alcohol may affect how well DuoCover works and can increase blood loss and stomach irritation. Your doctor can provide specific guidance about alcohol consumption.
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 at the regular time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
DuoCover increases bleeding risk, so all doctors, dentists, nurses, and pharmacists need to know you’re taking it. Treatment may need to be stopped before surgery or dental work, and it may take longer than usual to stop bleeding if you’re injured.
No, DuoCover already contains aspirin (100 mg per tablet). Taking additional aspirin is not recommended. Always check with your doctor before taking any additional medications.
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.