Knowing how a stroke develops is an important part of helping you reduce your risk of a future stroke or heart attack. Platelets in the blood sticking together and forming clots are what typically causes
a stroke. A stroke happens when a clot reduces or blocks the flow of blood through
an artery supplying blood to the brain.
Clots Cause Strokes
- Healthy Artery – Normal arteries are smooth and flexible, allowing
oxygen-rich blood to flow through easily
- Plaque Formation and Narrowing of the Arteries – Deposits collect
within the artery walls, causing plaque that narrows the artery and reduces blood
flow
- Plaque Rupture – The plaque ruptures and platelets in your blood
may form clots
- Artery Blockage – A clot can reduce or block the flow of blood.
This may be what causes a stroke or a heart attack or heart-related chest pain (unstable
angina)
PLAVIX can help
Your doctor may decide that PLAVIX is right for you. PLAVIX is a prescription antiplatelet medicine
recommended for people like you who have suffered from a recent stroke or recent heart attack
or have been diagnosed with Peripheral Artery Disease, or P.A.D. (also known as
poor circulation in the legs). PLAVIX may be right for you as it helps keep platelets from sticking together
and forming clots. This enables your blood to flow more easily, reducing the risk
of future stroke and even heart attack.
Always talk to your doctor before taking aspirin or other medicines with PLAVIX,
especially if you've had a stroke.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Certain genetic factors and some medicines such as Prilosec reduce the effect of PLAVIX leaving you at greater risk for heart attack and stroke. Your doctor may use genetic tests to determine treatment. Don’t stop taking PLAVIX without talking to your doctor as your risk of heart attack or stroke may increase. People with stomach ulcers or conditions that cause bleeding should not use PLAVIX. Taking PLAVIX alone or with some other medicines, including aspirin, may increase bleeding risk which can potentially be life-threatening. So tell your doctor when planning surgery. Tell your doctor all medicines you take, including aspirin, especially if you’ve had a stroke. If fever, unexplained weakness or confusion develops, tell your doctor promptly. These may be signs of TTP, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition, reported sometimes less than 2 weeks after starting PLAVIX.
Click here for US Full Prescribing Information Including BOXED WARNING
and Medication Guide
Remember, your doctor is the single best source of information regarding your health. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions about your health or your medicine.
What to do next: Discover how PLAVIX helps protect stroke patients