Patient was educated on contraindications for using Plavix as follows:
- Plavix should be avoided in individuals with valvular heart disease and with prosthetic heart valves. Use of Plavix in such individuals carries a significant risk for clot formation and consequent embolism.
- Plavix should be avoided or used with extreme caution in individuals with history of brain and spinal surgeries, as Plavix can result in spinal cord blood clot formation, resulting in excruciating pain in the back with numbness and weakness of bilateral lower extremities. In extreme cases, use of Plavix can also result in permanent paralysis.
- Avoid drinking grapefruit juice, while you are taking Plavix. Grapefruit juice inhibits the metabolism of Plavix and this can lead to increased blood levels of Plavix for longer duration, leading to toxicity and episodes of bleeding.
- Do not consume alcohol, while you are taking Plavix, as alcohol can increase the effects of blood thinner and consequently, make the blood extra thin, thus resulting episodes of hemorrhage and bleeding.
