Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Plavix as follows:
- Maintain a close watch for symptoms of hypotension, such as, confusion and dizziness along with symptoms of anemia, such as, pale skin, exacerbation of shortness of breath, poor endurance, and fatigue. These symptoms in individuals taking Plavix could be secondary to an undiagnosed internal bleed with loss of blood and should be immediately reported.
- Maintain strict compliance with intake of Plavix as ordered, with regards to dosage and frequency, to derive the benefit of the medication. Noncompliance with this recommendation can result in episodes of bleeding or clot formation. So, do not change your dose of Plavix, without your doctor’s recommendation.
- Evenly space out the doses of Plavix and take the dose at the scheduled time every day. Keeping to the schedule of Plavix intake helps to avoid forgetting the medication.
- Also, maintaining a schedule for anticoagulant intake will help maintain the blood uniformly thin. This prevents the risks of extra thinning with consequent bleeding and thickening of blood with consequent clot formation.
- Do not discontinue taking this medication without recommendation by your doctor. Abrupt withdrawal from Plavix intake can result in clot formation and consequent DVT, pulmonary embolism, and development of stroke.
