Plavix – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com

Plavix is an anti-platelet drug that is used to prevent blood clots. The drug is often prescribed to a patient who has had a heart attack or a stroke. Blood clots may form due to certain heart or blood vessel conditions.

Plavix may also be given to individuals who have unstable angina or peripheral artery disease. The drug’s generic name is clopidogrel.

Known health risks or side effects of Plavix

Plavix may cause common side effects such as:

• Bruising
• Diarrhea
• Eczema
• A fever
• Head or joint pain
• Itching
• A rash
• Skin redness
• Taste problems

You may require immediate medical attention if you experience severe side effects such as:

• Balance, speech, or vision problems
• Bloody or tarry stools
• Bloody urine
• Confusion
• Coughing up blood
• Crushing heavy chest pain that spreads to the arm, shoulder, or jaw
• Fever
• Pale skin or jaundice/yellowing of the eyes or skin
• Purple or red pinpoint spots under the skin
• A nosebleed
• Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• A sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body)
• A sudden headache
• Unusual bleeding in the mouth, rectum, or vagina
• Weakness

List of organs that might be affected by Plavix

The use of Plavix may cause complications like an allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction may include difficulty breathing; hives; or the swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Food items or nutrients that have similar effects to Plavix

The following foods or nutrients have similar effects to Plavix:

• Garlic – Garlic is often used as a natural remedy to prevent and treat atherosclerosis (the hardening of the arteries) and heart disease. Garlic has allicin and ajoene, which helps prevent blood platelets from sticking together and forming clots. Aside from its anti-platelet actions, garlic can lower cholesterol and blood pressure, which are crucial to heart health.
• Ginger – Ginger can function like anti-platelet medications. Take at least a teaspoon of the spice to take advantage of this benefit. When consumed daily, ginger can minimize platelet “stickiness.”
• Ginkgo biloba – Taking ginkgo biloba can help thin the blood by preventing excessive blood platelet coagulation. Ginkgo inhibits the platelet activating factor (PAF), a chemical that encourages the blood to coagulate and form clots.
• Turmeric – Turmeric also acts like anti-platelet medications and it can reduce blood’s tendency to form clots. Turmeric has curcumin, a component that can stop platelet aggregation.

Treatment and management options for the side effects of Plavix

The following treatments and management options can help prevent the side effects associated with Plavix, like diarrhea:

• Black seed oil (Nigella sativa) – Black seed oil is often used to treat different health problems like asthma, colic, constipation, diarrhea, and gas. To treat diarrhea, add a teaspoon of black seed oil to a cup of plain yogurt. Consume the mixture twice daily until your diarrhea symptoms are gone. If your symptoms don’t improve after three to four days, consult a healthcare professional.
• Carrot soup – Carrot soup is a high-bulk food with anti-dyspeptic effects. Carrot soup can help you recover since it contains essential nutrients which may be lost during diarrhea. To make carrot soup, wash, scrape, and finely chop 500 g of carrots. Pressure cook the carrots with about half a cup of water for at least 15 minutes. Drain the liquid then add some salt to taste. Consume the soup fresh daily for several days if you have diarrhea.
• Clear fluids – Diarrhea may cause dehydration. Stay hydrated by drinking about eight glasses of water. You can also consume clear broths, coconut water, and vegetable soups. Avoid acidic (e.g., tomato and citrus juices), alcoholic, and caffeinated drinks.

Where to learn more

• Are you treating a hematoma the right way?
• Bye bye Coumadin, so long Plavix – Say hello to five natural blood thinners that protect against strokes and blood clots
• Common Heartburn Drugs Interfere With Blood Thinning Drugs, Warns FDA
• Plavix side effects, nutrient depletions, herbal interactions and health notes
• Recall of medication for high risk heart attack and stroke patients: Clopidogrel, sold as Plavix, has been mislabeled and recalled

Summary

Plavix is an anti-platelet drug that is used to prevent blood clots.

Plavix may cause common side effects such as bruising, diarrhea, eczema, and a fever.

The use of Plavix may cause complications like an allergic reaction.

Garlic, ginger, gingko biloba, and turmeric have similar effects to Plavix.

Black seed oil, carrot soup, and clear fluids can help prevent the side effects associated with Plavix, like diarrhea.

Sources include:

EverydayHealth.com

Drugs.com

Livestrong.com

Top10HomeRemedies.com