Why do I need this medicine?

CLOPILET is a blood-thinning medicine. It prevents special cells in the blood -- the platelets -- from sticking to each other. This reduces the risk of harmful blood clots forming. Blood clots that form in a blood vessel inside the heart or brain can cause a heart attack or a stroke.

CLOPILET is used to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people at high risk. This includes people who have had a heart attack or stroke before and are at risk of getting another one. It also includes people with blood circulation problems that may increase their chances of getting a heart attack or stroke.

CLOPILET is also used together with aspirin to prevent blood clots in people who have had stents inserted into their heart arteries.

CLOPILET may also be used to treat other conditions such as peripheral arterial disease (where there is some blockage or narrowing of arteries) or heart disease.

How do I take this medicine?

Take CLOPILET exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

CLOPILET must be taken exactly as directed for it to work well. Continue taking CLOPILET even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by your doctor.

You may take CLOPILET with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.

What should I do if I have forgotten to take this medicine?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

Remember to take your medicine regularly. CLOPILET must be taken exactly as directed for it to be effective. If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

When should I not use this medicine?

Alert your doctor immediately if you have a history of any of these conditions:

- bleeding disorders, for example, haemophilia

- stomach ulcers, especially if you have ever bled from a stomach ulcer

- low blood cell count (platelets, red or white blood cells)

- liver disease

CLOPILET may increase the risk of abnormal bleeding. It is important to alert your doctor if you have any of these illnesses, as the risk of bleeding may be further increased.

What should I take note of while taking this medicine?

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with CLOPILET.

Alert your doctor if you have kidney disease.

As CLOPILET may increase the length of time needed to stop bleeding, alert your doctor if you have any recent injury, surgery or condition that puts you at a higher risk of bleeding.

If you are going for an operation, including minor operations and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking CLOPILET.

Do not participate in activities in which you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Alert your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).

It is important to keep all appointments with your doctor. You will need to have routine blood tests to monitor your condition and check your response to the medicine, especially during the first few months of starting CLOPILET.

What side effects could I experience?

Headache, stomach upset, abdominal pain, indigestion, chest pain and itchy rashes are common side effects with CLOPILET. Let your doctor know if these side effects bother you or if they do not go away.

CLOPILET may cause dizziness. If you feel dizzy, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

Less commonly, CLOPILET may cause some side effects which can be serious. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of these:

- severe rashes, especially if there are multiple tiny red or purple spots on the skin and sometimes on the inside of the mouth

- difficulty in breathing

- weakness or tiredness

- unusual bleeding, especially excessive bleeding or bleeding that takes a long time to stop

- unusual bruises, especially if the bruises appear by themselves or if they cover a large area

- yellowish tinge of the skin or the eyes

Can I take this with other medicines?

Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, especially these listed here:

- other blood-thinning medicines such as warfarin, aspirin and ticlopidine

- painkillers known as NSAIDs, for example, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, mefenamic acid

Avoid medicines such as omeprazole, esomeprazole, cimetidine, fluconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole, etravirine, felbamate and fluvoxamine. Alert your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines.

Do not take antacids together with CLOPILET. If you must take antacids, take them at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after you have taken CLOPILET. Antacids can reduce the effectiveness of CLOPILET when taken together.

Always inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

How should I store this medicine?

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.