Description

Clopidogrel Tablets are a prescription medication that may be prescribed by veterinarians for dogs and cats when antiplatelet therapy is appropriate. Clopidogrel helps reduce platelet aggregation, which can help decrease the formation of unwanted blood clots.

In veterinary medicine, clopidogrel may be incorporated into an individualized treatment plan for pets with certain cardiovascular conditions or other conditions associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism. This is a human-labeled medication used extra-label in veterinary patients under the direction of a licensed veterinarian.

Uses & Benefits

• Prescription antiplatelet medication
• For veterinarian-directed use in dogs and cats
• Helps reduce platelet aggregation
• May help reduce the risk of unwanted blood clot formation
• May be prescribed for pets at increased risk of thromboembolism
• Can be incorporated into veterinarian-directed cardiovascular management
• Oral tablet formulation
• Dosing is determined by the prescribing veterinarian

How It Works

Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication. After being converted to its active metabolite, it inhibits platelet activation and aggregation by irreversibly binding to P2Y12 adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptors on platelets.

This action reduces the ability of platelets to stick together and form blood clots.

Indications

Clopidogrel may be prescribed by a veterinarian for dogs and cats when antiplatelet therapy is appropriate.

Veterinarian-directed uses may include:

• Reducing platelet aggregation
• Reducing the risk of thrombus formation
• Management of pets at increased risk for arterial thromboembolism
• Certain cardiovascular conditions associated with an increased risk of blood clot formation
• Other conditions for which a veterinarian determines antiplatelet therapy is appropriate

Veterinary use of clopidogrel tablets is extra-label and should be directed by a licensed veterinarian.

Ingredients

Active Ingredients:

Clopidogrel Bisulfate

Inactive Ingredients:

Refer to manufacturer label for complete inactive ingredient information. Inactive ingredients may vary by manufacturer.

Directions

Administer orally exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian.

The appropriate dose, frequency, and duration of treatment are determined by your veterinarian based on your pet's condition, response to therapy, and other medications being administered.

Clopidogrel may be given with or without food. If gastrointestinal upset occurs when given on an empty stomach, consult your veterinarian about administering future doses with food.

Do not change the prescribed amount or frequency or discontinue clopidogrel unless directed by your veterinarian.

Follow the prescription label exactly and veterinarian directions.

Cautions

• For veterinary use only.
• Federal law restricts this medication to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
• Not for human use.
• Keep out of reach of children and animals.
• Use only in the animal for which the medication was prescribed.
• Use cautiously in animals with bleeding disorders or an increased risk of bleeding.
• Tell your veterinarian about all medications and supplements your pet receives, particularly medications that may affect blood clotting.
• Contact your veterinarian promptly if unusual or excessive bleeding occurs.
• Do not give leftover medication to another animal.

Possible Side Effects

Vomiting / Diarrhea / Decreased Appetite / Bruising / Nosebleeds / Blood in Urine or Stool / Prolonged or Excessive Bleeding

Contact your veterinarian promptly if you notice unusual bruising, prolonged bleeding, weakness, pale gums, blood in the urine or stool, or another unexpected reaction while your pet is receiving clopidogrel.

Precautions

Use cautiously in animals with bleeding disorders, gastrointestinal ulceration, recent trauma, or other conditions that may increase the risk of bleeding.

Tell your veterinarian about all prescription medications, non-prescription medications, supplements, and other products your pet receives. Particular caution may be necessary when clopidogrel is administered with other antiplatelet medications, anticoagulants, or medications that may increase the risk of bleeding.

Your veterinarian may recommend monitoring during treatment based on your pet's condition and other medications.

Consult your veterinarian before any surgery, dental procedure, or other invasive procedure while your pet is receiving clopidogrel.

Consult your veterinarian regarding use in pregnant, breeding, or nursing animals.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature according to the manufacturer's labeled storage requirements. Keep tablets in their original container and protect from excessive heat and moisture. Keep securely out of reach of children and animals.

Disposal

Dispose of unused or expired Clopidogrel Tablets through a medication take-back program when available or according to applicable local medication disposal requirements. Keep discarded tablets and packaging securely inaccessible to children and animals.