Clopidogrel HCS

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ANNEX I 
 

SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS 
 



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1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Clopidogrel HCS 75 mg film-coated tablets 
 
 
2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION 
 
Each film-coated tablet contains 75 mg of clopidogrel (as hydrochloride). 
 
Excipients with known effect: 
Each film-coated tablet contains 13 mg of hydrogenated castor oil.  
 
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1. 
 
 
3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM 
 
Film-coated tablet. 
Pink, round and slightly convex film-coated tablets. 
 
 
4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS 
 
4.1 Therapeutic indications 
 
Secondary prevention of atherothrombotic events 
 
Clopidogrel is indicated in: 
• Adult patients suffering from myocardial infarction (from a few days until less than 35 days), 

ischaemic stroke (from 7 days until less than 6 months) or established peripheral arterial 
disease. 

• Adult patients suffering from acute coronary syndrome: 
- Non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (unstable angina or non-Q-wave 

myocardial infarction), including patients undergoing a stent placement following 
percutaneous coronary intervention, in combination with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). 

- ST segment elevation acute myocardial infarction, in combination with ASA in medically 
treated patients eligible for thrombolytic therapy. 

 
Prevention of atherothrombotic and thromboembolic events in atrial fibrillation 
In adult patients with atrial fibrillation who have at least one risk factor for vascular events, are not 
suitable for treatment with Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and who have a low bleeding risk, 
clopidogrel is indicated in combination with ASA for the prevention of atherothrombotic and 
thromboembolic events, including stroke. 
 
For further information please refer to section 5.1. 
 
4.2 Posology and method of administration 
 
Posology 
• Adults and elderly (over 65 years) 
 

Clopidogrel should be given as a single daily dose of 75 mg. 
 
In patients suffering from acute coronary syndrome: 
− Non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (unstable angina or non-Q-wave 

myocardial infarction): clopidogrel treatment should be initiated with a single 300 mg 



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loading dose and then continued at 75 mg once a day (with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) 
75 mg-325 mg daily). Since higher doses of ASA were associated with higher bleeding 
risk it is recommended that the dose of ASA should not be higher than 100 mg. The 
optimal duration of treatment has not been formally established. Clinical trial data support 
use up to 12 months, and the maximum benefit was seen at 3 months (see section 5.1). 

− ST segment elevation acute myocardial infarction: clopidogrel should be given as a single 
daily dose of 75 mg initiated with a 300 mg loading dose in combination with ASA and 
with or without thrombolytics. For patients over 75 years of age clopidogrel should be 
initiated without a loading dose. Combined therapy should be started as early as possible 
after symptoms start and continued for at least four weeks. The benefit of the combination 
of clopidogrel with ASA beyond four weeks has not been studied in this setting (see 
section 5.1). 

 
 In patients with atrial fibrillation, clopidogrel should be given as a single daily dose of 75 mg.   
         ASA (75-100 mg daily) should be initiated and continued in combination with clopidogrel (see   
         section 5.1). 
 
If a dose is missed: 

− Within less than 12 hours after regular scheduled time: patients should take the dose 
immediately and then take the next dose at the regular scheduled time. 

− For more than 12 hours: patients should take the next dose at the regular scheduled time 
and should not double the dose. 

 
• Paediatric population 

Clopidogrel should not be used in children because of efficacy concerns (see section 5.1).  
 
• Renal impairment 

Therapeutic experience is limited in patients with renal impairment (see section 4.4). 
 
• Hepatic impairment 

Therapeutic experience is limited in patients with moderate hepatic disease who may have 
bleeding diatheses (see section 4.4). 

 
Method of administration 
For oral use. 
It may be given with or without food. 
 
4.3 Contraindications 
 
• Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 2 or section 

6.1. 
• Severe hepatic impairment. 
• Active pathological bleeding such as peptic ulcer or intracranial haemorrhage. 
 
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use 
 
Bleeding and haematological disorders 
Due to the risk of bleeding and haematological adverse reactions, blood cell count determination 
and/or other appropriate testing should be promptly considered whenever clinical symptoms 
suggestive of bleeding arise during the course of treatment (see section 4.8). As with other antiplatelet 
agents, clopidogrel should be used with caution in patients who may be at risk of increased bleeding 
from trauma, surgery or other pathological conditions and in patients receiving treatment with ASA, 
heparin, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including 
Cox-2 inhibitors, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), or other medicinal products 
associated with bleeding risk such as pentoxifylline (see section 4.5). Patients should be followed 
carefully for any signs of bleeding including occult bleeding, especially during the first weeks of 



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treatment and/or after invasive cardiac procedures or surgery. The concomitant administration of 
clopidogrel with oral anticoagulants is not recommended since it may increase the intensity of 
bleedings (see section 4.5). 
 
If a patient is to undergo elective surgery and antiplatelet effect is temporarily not desirable, 
clopidogrel should be discontinued 7 days prior to surgery. Patients should inform physicians and 
dentists that they are taking clopidogrel before any surgery is scheduled and before any new medicinal 
product is taken. Clopidogrel prolongs bleeding time and should be used with caution in patients who 
have lesions with a propensity to bleed (particularly gastrointestinal and intraocular). 
 
Patients should be told that it might take longer than usual to stop bleeding when they take clopidogrel 
(alone or in combination with ASA), and that they should report any unusual bleeding (site or 
duration) to their physician. 
 
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) 
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) has been reported very rarely following the use of 
clopidogrel, sometimes after a short exposure. It is characterised by thrombocytopenia and 
microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia associated with either neurological findings, renal dysfunction 
or fever. TTP is a potentially fatal condition requiring prompt treatment including plasmapheresis. 
 
Acquired haemophilia 
Acquired haemophilia has been reported following use of clopidogrel. In cases of confirmed isolated 
activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) prolongation with or without bleeding, acquired 
haemophilia should be considered. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of acquired haemophilia should 
be managed and treated by specialists, and clopidogrel should be discontinued. 
 
Recent ischaemic stroke 
In view of the lack of data, clopidogrel cannot be recommended during the first 7 days after acute 
ischaemic stroke. 
 
Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) 
Pharmacogenetics: In patients who are poor CYP2C19 metabolisers, clopidogrel at recommended 
doses forms less of the active metabolite of clopidogrel and has a smaller effect on platelet function. 
Tests are available to identify a patient's CYP2C19 genotype. 
 
Since clopidogrel is metabolised to its active metabolite partly by CYP2C19, use of medicinal products 
that inhibit the activity of this enzyme would be expected to result in reduced drug levels of the active 
metabolite of clopidogrel. The clinical relevance of this interaction is uncertain. As a precaution 
concomitant use of strong or moderate CYP2C19 inhibitors should be discouraged (see section 4.5 for 
a list of CYP2C19 inhibitors, see also section 5.2).  
 
CYP2C8 substrates 
Caution is required in patients treated concomitantly with clopidogrel and CYP2C8 substrate 
medicinal products (see section 4.5). 
 
Cross-reactions among thienopyridines 
Patients should be evaluated for history of hypersensitivity to thienopyridines (such as clopidogrel, 
ticlopidine, prasugrel) since cross-reactivity among thienopyridines has been reported (see section 4.8). 
Thienopyridines may cause mild to severe allergic reactions such as rash, angioedema, or 
haematological cross-reactions such as thrombocytopaenia and neutropaenia. Patients who had 
developed a previous allergic reaction and/or haematological reaction to one thienopyridine may have 
an increased risk of developing the same or another reaction to another thienopyridine. Monitoring for 
signs of hypersensitivity in patients with a known allergy to thienopyridines is advised.. 
 
Renal impairment 
Therapeutic experience with clopidogrel is limited in patients with renal impairment. Therefore 
clopidogrel should be used with caution in these patients (see section 4.2). 



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Hepatic impairment 
Experience is limited in patients with moderate hepatic disease who may have bleeding diatheses. 
Clopidogrel should therefore be used with caution in this population (see section 4.2). 
 
Excipients 
This medicinal product contains hydrogenated castor oil which may cause stomach upset and 
diarrhoea. 
 
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction 
 
Medicinal products associated with bleeding risk: 
There is an increased risk of bleeding due to the potential additive effect. The concomitant 
administration of medicinal products associated with bleeding risk should be undertaken with caution 
(see section 4.4). 
 
Oral anticoagulants 
The concomitant administration of clopidogrel with oral anticoagulants is not recommended since it 
may increase the intensity of bleedings (see section 4.4). Although the administration of clopidogrel 75 
mg/day did not modify the pharmacokinetics of S-warfarin or International Normalised Ratio (INR) in 
patients receiving long-term warfarin therapy, coadministration of clopidogrel with warfarin increases 
the risk of bleeding because of independent effects on hemostasis. 
 
Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors 
Clopidogrel should be used with caution in patients who receive concomitant glycoprotein IIb/IIIa 
inhibitors (see section 4.4). 
 
Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) 
ASA did not modify the clopidogrel-mediated inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation, but 
clopidogrel potentiated the effect of ASA on collagen-induced platelet aggregation. However, 
concomitant administration of 500 mg of ASA twice a day for one day did not significantly increase 
the prolongation of bleeding time induced by clopidogrel intake. A pharmacodynamic interaction 
between clopidogrel and acetylsalicylic acid is possible, leading to increased risk of bleeding. 
Therefore, concomitant use should be undertaken with caution (see section 4.4). However, clopidogrel 
and ASA have been administered together for up to one year (see section 5.1). 
 
Heparin 
In a clinical study conducted in healthy subjects, clopidogrel did not necessitate modification of the 
heparin dose or alter the effect of heparin on coagulation. Co-administration of heparin had no effect 
on the inhibition of platelet aggregation induced by clopidogrel. A pharmacodynamic interaction 
between clopidogrel and heparin is possible, leading to increased risk of bleeding. Therefore, 
concomitant use should be undertaken with caution (see section 4.4). 
 
Thrombolytics 
The safety of the concomitant administration of clopidogrel, fibrin or non-fibrin specific thrombolytic 
agents and heparins was assessed in patients with acute myocardial infarction. The incidence of 
clinically significant bleeding was similar to that observed when thrombolytic agents and heparin are 
co-administered with ASA (see section 4.8). 
 
NSAIDs 
In a clinical study conducted in healthy volunteers, the concomitant administration of clopidogrel and 
naproxen increased occult gastrointestinal blood loss. However, due to the lack of interaction studies 
with other NSAIDs it is presently unclear whether there is an increased risk of gastrointestinal 
bleeding with all NSAIDs. Consequently, NSAIDs including Cox-2 inhibitors and clopidogrel should 
be co-administered with caution (see section 4.4). 
 
SSRIs 



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Since SSRIs affect platelet activation and increase the risk of bleeding, the concomitant administration 
of SSRIs with clopidogrel should be undertaken with caution. 
 
Other concomitant therapy  
Since clopidogrel is metabolised to its active metabolite partly by CYP2C19, use of medicinal products 
that inhibit the activity of this enzyme would be expected to result in reduced drug levels of the active 
metabolite of clopidogrel. The clinical relevance of this interaction is uncertain. As a precaution 
concomitant use of strong or moderate CYP2C19 inhibitors should be discouraged (see sections 4.4 
and 5.2). 
 
Medicinal products that are strong or moderate CYP2C19 inhibitors include, for example, omeprazole 
and esomeprazole, fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, moclobemide, voriconazole, fluconazole, ticlopidine, 
carbamazepine, and efavirenz. 
 
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI):  
Omeprazole 80 mg once daily administered either at the same time as clopidogrel or with 12 hours 
between the administrations of the two drugs decreased the exposure of the active metabolite by 45% 
(loading dose) and 40% (maintenance dose). The decrease was associated with a 39% (loading dose) 
and 21% (maintenance dose) reduction of inhibition of platelet aggregation. Esomeprazole is expected 
to give a similar interaction with clopidogrel. 
 
Inconsistent data on the clinical implications of this pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic (PD) 
interaction in terms of major cardiovascular events have been reported from both observational and 
clinical studies. As a precaution, concomitant use of omeprazole or esomeprazole should be 
discouraged (see section 4.4). 
 
Less pronounced reductions of metabolite exposure has been observed with pantoprazole or 
lansoprazole. 
The plasma concentrations of the active metabolite was 20% reduced (loading dose) and 14% reduced 
(maintenance dose) during concomitant treatment with pantoprazole 80 mg once daily. This was 
associated with a reduction of the mean inhibition of platelet aggregation by 15% and 11%, 
respectively. These results indicate that clopidogrel can be administered with pantoprazole. 
 
There is no evidence that other medicinal products that reduce stomach acid such as H2 blockers or 
antacids interfere with antiplatelet activity of clopidogrel. 
 
Other medicinal products: A number of other clinical studies have been conducted with clopidogrel 
and other concomitant medicinal products to investigate the potential for pharmacodynamic and 
pharmacokinetic interactions. No clinically significant pharmacodynamic interactions were observed 
when clopidogrel was co-administered with atenolol, nifedipine, or both atenolol and nifedipine. 
Furthermore, the pharmacodynamic activity of clopidogrel was not significantly influenced by the 
coadministration of phenobarbital or oestrogen. 
 
The pharmacokinetics of digoxin or theophylline were not modified by the co-administration of 
clopidogrel. Antacids did not modify the extent of clopidogrel absorption. 
 
Data from the CAPRIE study indicate that phenytoin and tolbutamide which are metabolised by 
CYP2C9 can be safely co-administered with clopidogrel. 
 
CYP2C8 substrate medicinal products: Clopidogrel has been shown to increase repaglinide exposure 
in healthy volunteers. In vitro studies have shown the increase in repaglinide exposure is due to 
inhibition of CYP2C8 by the glucuronide metabolite of clopidogrel. Due to the risk of increased 
plasma concentrations, concomitant administration of clopidogrel and drugs primarily cleared by 
CYP2C8 metabolism (e.g., repaglinide, paclitaxel) should be undertaken with caution (see section 4.4). 
 
 



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Apart from the specific medicinal product interaction information described above, interaction studies 
with clopidogrel and some medicinal products commonly administered in patients with 
atherothrombotic disease have not been performed. However, patients entered into clinical trials with 
clopidogrel received a variety of concomitant medicinal products including diuretics, beta blockers, 
ACEI, calcium antagonists, cholesterol lowering agents, coronary vasodilators, antidiabetic agents 
(including insulin), antiepileptic agents, and GPIIb/IIIa antagonists without evidence of clinically 
significant adverse interactions. 
 
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation 
 
Pregnancy 
As no clinical data on exposure to clopidogrel during pregnancy are available, it is preferable not to 
use clopidogrel during pregnancy as a precautionary measure.  
 
Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to pregnancy, 
embryonal/foetal development, parturition or postnatal development (see section 5.3). 
 
Breast-feeding 
It is unknown whether clopidogrel is excreted in human breast milk. Animal studies have shown 
excretion of clopidogrel in breast milk. As a precautionary measure, breast-feeding should not be 
continued during treatment with Clopidogrel HCS. 
 
Fertility 
Clopidogrel was not shown to alter fertility in animal studies. 
 
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines 
 
Clopidogrel has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines. 
 
4.8 Undesirable effects 
 
Summary of the safety profile 
 
Clopidogrel has been evaluated for safety in more than 44,000 patients who have participated in 
clinical studies, including over 12,000 patients treated for 1 year or more. Overall, clopidogrel 
75 mg/day was comparable to ASA 325 mg/day in CAPRIE regardless of age, gender and race. The 
clinically relevant adverse reactions observed in the CAPRIE, CURE, CLARITY, COMMIT and 
ACTIVE-A studies are discussed below. In addition to clinical studies experience, adverse reactions 
have been spontaneously reported. 
 
Bleeding is the most common reaction reported both in clinical studies as well as in post-marketing 
experience where it was mostly reported during the first month of treatment. 
 
In CAPRIE, in patients treated with either clopidogrel or ASA, the overall incidence of any bleeding 
was 9.3%. The incidence of severe cases was similar for clopidogrel and ASA.  
 
In CURE, there was no excess in major bleeds with clopidogrel plus ASA within 7 days after coronary 
bypass graft surgery in patients who stopped therapy more than five days prior to surgery. In patients 
who remained on therapy within five days of bypass graft surgery, the event rate was 9.6% for 
clopidogrel plus ASA, and 6.3% for placebo plus ASA. 
 
In CLARITY, there was an overall increase in bleeding in the clopidogrel plus ASA group vs. the 
placebo plus ASA group. The incidence of major bleeding was similar between groups. This was 
consistent across subgroups of patients defined by baseline characteristics, and type of fibrinolytic or 
heparin therapy.  
 



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In COMMIT, the overall rate of noncerebral major bleeding or cerebral bleeding was low and similar 
in both groups. 
 
In ACTIVE-A, the rate of major bleeding was greater in the clopidogrel + ASA group than in the 
placebo + ASA group (6.7% versus 4.3%). Major bleeding was mostly of extracranial origin in both 
groups (5.3% in the clopidogrel + ASA group; 3.5% in the placebo +ASA group), mainly from the 
gastrointestinal tract (3.5% vs. 1.8%). There was an excess of intracranial bleeding in the clopidogrel 
+ ASA treatment group compared to the placebo + ASA group (1.4% versus 0.8%, respectively). 
There was no statistically significant difference in the rates of fatal bleeding (1.1% in the clopidogrel + 
ASA group and 0.7% in the placebo +ASA group) and haemorrhagic stroke (0.8% and 0.6%, 
respectively) between groups. 
 
Tabulated list of adverse reactions 
 
Adverse reactions that occurred either during clinical studies or that were spontaneously reported are 
presented in the table below. Their frequency is defined using the following conventions: common 
(≥1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100); rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000); very rare 
(<1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each system organ class, 
adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness. 
 

System Organ 
Class 

Common Uncommon Rare Very rare, not 
known* 

Blood and the 
lymphatic system 
disorders 

 Thrombocytopenia, 
leucopenia, 
eosinophilia 

Neutropenia, 
including severe 
neutropenia 

Thrombotic 
thrombocytopenic 
purpura (TTP) (see 
section 4.4), 
aplastic anaemia, 
pancytopenia, 
agranulocytosis, 
severe 
thrombocytopenia, 
acquired 
haemophilia A, 
granulocytopenia, 
anaemia 

Cardiac disorders    Kounis syndrome 
(vasospastic 
allergic angina / 
allergic myocardial 
infarction) in the 
context of a 
hypersensitivity 
reaction due to 
clopidogrel* 

Immune system 
disorders 

   Serum sickness, 
anaphylactoid 
reactions, 
cross-reactive drug 
hypersensitivity 
among 
thienopyridines 
(such as ticlopidine, 
prasugrel) (see 
section 4.4)* 

Psychiatric 
disorders 

   Hallucinations, 
confusion 

Nervous system  Intracranial  Taste disturbances, 



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System Organ 
Class 

Common Uncommon Rare Very rare, not 
known* 

disorders bleeding (some 
cases were 
reported with fatal 
outcome), 
headache, 
paraesthesia, 
dizziness 

ageusia 

Eye disorders  Eye bleeding 
(conjunctival, 
ocular, retinal) 

  

Ear and labyrinth 
disorders 

  Vertigo  

Vascular 
disorders 

Haematoma   Serious 
haemorrhage, 
haemorrhage of 
operative wound, 
vasculitis, 
hypotension 

Respiratory, 
thoracic and 
mediastinal 
disorders 

Epistaxis   Respiratory tract 
bleeding 
(haemoptysis, 
pulmonary 
haemorrhage), 
bronchospasm, 
interstitial 
pneumonitis, 
eosinophilic 
pneumonia 

Gastrointestinal 
disorders 

Gastrointestinal 
haemorrhage, 
diarrhoea, 
abdominal pain, 
dyspepsia 

Gastric ulcer and 
duodenal ulcer, 
gastritis, vomiting, 
nausea, 
constipation, 
flatulence 

Retroperitoneal 
haemorrhage 

Gastrointestinal and 
retroperitoneal 
haemorrhage with 
fatal outcome, 
pancreatitis, colitis 
(including 
ulcerative or 
lymphocytic 
colitis), stomatitis 

Hepato-biliary 
disorders 

   Acute liver failure, 
hepatitis, abnormal 
liver function test 

Skin and 
subcutaneous 
tissue disorders 

Bruising Rash, pruritus, skin 
bleeding (purpura) 

 Bullous dermatitis 
(toxic epidermal 
necrolysis, Stevens 
Johnson Syndrome, 
erythema 
multiforme, acute 
generalised 
exanthematous 
pustulosis 
(AGEP)), 
angioedema, 
drug-induced 
hypersensitivity 
syndrome, drug 
rash with 



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System Organ 
Class 

Common Uncommon Rare Very rare, not 
known* 

eosinophilia and 
systemic symptoms 
(DRESS), rash 
erythematous or 
exfoliative, 
urticaria, eczema, 
lichen planus 

Reproductive 
systems and 
breast disorders 

  Gynaecomastia  

Musculoskeletal, 
connective tissue 
and bone 
disorders 

   Musculo-skeletal 
bleeding 
(haemarthrosis), 
arthritis, arthralgia, 
myalgia 

Renal and urinary 
disorders 

 Haematuria  Glomerulonephritis, 
blood creatinine 
increased 

General disorders 
and 
administration 
site conditions 

Bleeding at 
puncture site 

  Fever 

Investigations  Bleeding time 
prolonged, 
neutrophil count 
decreased, platelet 
count decreased 

  

* Information related to clopidogrel with frequency “not known”. 
 
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions 
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It 
allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare 
professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system 
listed in Appendix V. 
 
 
4.9 Overdose 
 
Overdose following clopidogrel administration may lead to prolonged bleeding time and subsequent 
bleeding complications. Appropriate therapy should be considered if bleedings are observed.  
No antidote to the pharmacological activity of clopidogrel has been found. If prompt correction of 
prolonged bleeding time is required, platelet transfusion may reverse the effects of clopidogrel. 
 
 
5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES 
 
5.1  Pharmacodynamic properties 
 
Pharmacotherapeutic group: platelet aggregation inhibitors excl. heparin, ATC Code: B01AC04.  
 
Mechanism of action 
 
Clopidogrel is a prodrug, one of whose metabolites is an inhibitor of platelet aggregation. Clopidogrel 
must be metabolised by CYP450 enzymes to produce the active metabolite that inhibits platelet 



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aggregation. The active metabolite of clopidogrel selectively inhibits the binding of adenosine 
diphosphate (ADP) to its platelet P2Y12 receptor and the subsequent ADP-mediated activation of the 
glycoprotein GPIIb/IIIa complex, thereby inhibiting platelet aggregation. Due to the irreversible 
binding, platelets exposed are affected for the remainder of their lifespan (approximately 7-10 days) 
and recovery of normal platelet function occurs at a rate consistent with platelet turnover. Platelet 
aggregation induced by agonists other than ADP is also inhibited by blocking the amplification of 
platelet activation by released ADP. 
 
Because the active metabolite is formed by CYP450 enzymes, some of which are polymorphic or 
subject to inhibition by other medicinal products, not all patients will have adequate platelet inhibition. 
 
Pharmacodynamic effects 
 
Repeated doses of 75 mg per day produced substantial inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation 
from the first day; this increased progressively and reached steady state between Day 3 and Day 7. At 
steady state, the average inhibition level observed with a dose of 75 mg per day was between 40% and 
60%. Platelet aggregation and bleeding time gradually returned to baseline values, generally within 
5 days after treatment was discontinued. 
 
Clinical efficacy and safety 
 
The safety and efficacy of clopidogrel have been evaluated in 5 double-blind studies involving over 
88,000 patients: the CAPRIE study, a comparison of clopidogrel to ASA, and the CURE, CLARITY, 
COMMIT and ACTIVE-A studies comparing clopidogrel to placebo, both medicinal products given in 
combination with ASA and other standard therapy. 
 
Recent myocardial infarction (MI), recent stroke or established peripheral arterial disease 
 
The CAPRIE study included 19,185 patients with atherothrombosis as manifested by recent 
myocardial infarction (<35 days), recent ischaemic stroke (between 7 days and 6 months) or 
established peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Patients were randomized to clopidogrel 75 mg/day or 
ASA 325 mg/day, and were followed for 1 to 3 years. In the myocardial infarction subgroup, most of 
the patients received ASA for the first few days following the acute myocardial infarction. 
 
Clopidogrel significantly reduced the incidence of new ischaemic events (combined end point of 
myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke and vascular death) when compared to ASA. In the intention 
to treat analysis, 939 events were observed in the clopidogrel group and 1,020 events with ASA 
(relative risk reduction (RRR) 8.7%, [95% CI: 0.2 to 16.4]; p=0.045), which corresponds, for every 
1,000 patients treated for 2 years, to 10 [CI: 0 to 20] additional patients being prevented from 
experiencing a new ischaemic event. Analysis of total mortality as a secondary endpoint did not show 
any significant difference between clopidogrel (5.8%) and ASA (6.0%). 
 
In a subgroup analysis by qualifying condition (myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke, and PAD) the 
benefit appeared to be strongest (achieving statistical significance at p=0.003) in patients enrolled due 
to PAD (especially those who also had a history of myocardial infarction) (RRR = 23.7%; CI: 8.9 to 
36.2) and weaker (not significantly different from ASA) in stroke patients (RRR = 7.3%; CI: -5.7 to 
18.7 [p=0.258]). In patients who were enrolled in the trial on the sole basis of a recent myocardial 
infarction, clopidogrel was numerically inferior, but not statistically different from ASA (RRR = -
4.0%; CI: -22.5 to 11.7 [p=0.639]). In addition, a subgroup analysis by age suggested that the benefit 
of clopidogrel in patients over 75 years was less than that observed in patients ≤75 years. 
 
Since the CAPRIE trial was not powered to evaluate efficacy of individual subgroups, it is not clear 
whether the differences in relative risk reduction across qualifying conditions are real, or a result of 
chance. 
 
Acute coronary syndrome 
 



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The CURE study included 12,562 patients with non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome 
(unstable angina or non-Q-wave myocardial infarction), and presenting within 24 hours of onset of the 
most recent episode of chest pain or symptoms consistent with ischaemia. Patients were required to 
have either ECG changes compatible with new ischaemia or elevated cardiac enzymes or troponin I or 
T to at least twice the upper limit of normal. Patients were randomised to clopidogrel (300 mg loading 
dose followed by 75 mg/day, N=6,259) or placebo (N=6,303), both given in combination with ASA 
(75-325 mg once daily) and other standard therapies. Patients were treated for up to one year. In 
CURE, 823 (6.6%) patients received concomitant GPIIb/IIIa receptor antagonist therapy. Heparins 
were administered in more than 90% of the patients and the relative rate of bleeding between 
clopidogrel and placebo was not significantly affected by the concomitant heparin therapy. 
 
The number of patients experiencing the primary endpoint [cardiovascular (CV) death, myocardial 
infarction (MI), or stroke] was 582 (9.3%) in the clopidogrel-treated group and 719 (11.4%) in the 
placebo-treated group, a 20% relative risk reduction (95% CI of 10%-28%; p=0.00009) for the 
clopidogrel-treated group (17% relative risk reduction when patients were treated conservatively, 29% 
when they underwent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) with or without stent 
and 10% when they underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)). New cardiovascular events 
(primary endpoint) were prevented, with relative risk reductions of 22% (CI: 8.6, 33.4), 32% (CI: 12.8, 
46.4), 4% (CI: -26.9, 26.7), 6% (CI: -33.5, 34.3) and 14% (CI: -31.6, 44.2), during the 0-1, 1-3, 3-6, 
6-9 and 9-12 month study intervals, respectively. Thus, beyond 3 months of treatment, the benefit 
observed in the clopidogrel + ASA group was not further increased, whereas the risk of haemorrhage 
persisted (see section 4.4). 
 
The use of clopidogrel in CURE was associated with a decrease in the need of thrombolytic therapy 
(RRR=43.3%; CI: 24.3%, 57.5%) and GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors (RRR=18.2%; CI: 6.5%, 28.3%). 
 
The number of patients experiencing the co-primary endpoint (CV death, MI, stroke or refractory 
ischaemia) was 1,035 (16.5%) in the clopidogrel-treated group and 1,187 (18.8%) in the 
placebo-treated group, a 14% relative risk reduction (95% CI of 6%-21%, p=0.0005) for the 
clopidogrel-treated group. This benefit was mostly driven by the statistically significant reduction in 
the incidence of MI [287 (4.6%) in the clopidogrel treated group and 363 (5.8%) in the placebo treated 
group]. There was no observed effect on the rate of rehospitalisation for unstable angina. 
 
The results obtained in populations with different characteristics (e.g. unstable angina or non-Q-wave 
MI, low to high risk levels, diabetes, need for revascularisation, age, gender, etc.) were consistent with 
the results of the primary analysis. In particular, in a post-hoc analysis in 2,172 patients (17% of the 
total CURE population) who underwent stent placement (Stent-CURE), the data showed that 
clopidogrel compared to placebo, demonstrated a significant RRR of 26.2% favouring clopidogrel for 
the co-primary endpoint (CV death, MI, stroke) and also a significant RRR of 23.9% for the second 
co-primary endpoint (CV death, MI, stroke or refractory ischaemia). Moreover, the safety profile of 
clopidogrel in this subgroup of patients did not raise any particular concern. Thus, the results from this 
subset are in line with the overall trial results. 
 
The benefits observed with clopidogrel were independent of other acute and long-term cardiovascular 
therapies (such as heparin/LMWH, GPIIb/IIIa antagonists, lipid lowering medicinal products, beta 
blockers, and ACE-inhibitors). The efficacy of clopidogrel was observed independently of the dose of 
ASA (75-325 mg once daily). 
 
In patients with acute ST-segment elevation MI, safety and efficacy of clopidogrel have been 
evaluated in 2 randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind studies, CLARITY and COMMIT. 
 
The CLARITY trial included 3,491 patients presenting within 12 hours of the onset of a ST elevation 
MI and planned for thrombolytic therapy. Patients received clopidogrel (300 mg loading dose, 
followed by 75 mg/day, n=1,752) or placebo (n=1,739), both in combination with ASA (150 to 
325 mg as a loading dose, followed by 75 to 162 mg/day), a fibrinolytic agent and, when appropriate, 
heparin. The patients were followed for 30 days. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of the 
composite of an occluded infarct-related artery on the predischarge angiogram, or death or recurrent 



13 

MI before coronary angiography. For patients who did not undergo angiography, the primary endpoint 
was death or recurrent myocardial infarction by Day 8 or by hospital discharge. The patient population 
included 19.7% women and 29.2% patients ≥65 years. A total of 99.7% of patients received 
fibrinolytics (fibrin specific: 68.7%, non- fibrin specific: 31.1%), 89.5% heparin, 78.7% beta blockers, 
54.7% ACE inhibitors and 63% statins. 

 
Fifteen percent (15.0%) of patients in the clopidogrel group and 21.7% in the placebo group reached 
the primary endpoint, representing an absolute reduction of 6.7% and a 36% odds reduction in favor of 
clopidogrel (95% CI: 24, 47%; p<0.001), mainly related to a reduction in occluded infarct-related 
arteries. This benefit was consistent across all prespecified subgroups including patients’ age and 
gender, infarct location, and type of fibrinolytic or heparin used. 

 
The 2x2 factorial design COMMIT trial included 45,852 patients presenting within 24 hours of the 
onset of the symptoms of suspected MI with supporting ECG abnormalities (i.e. ST elevation, ST 
depression or left bundle-branch block). Patients received clopidogrel (75 mg/day, n=22,961) or 
placebo (n=22,891), in combination with ASA (162 mg/day), for 28 days or until hospital discharge. 
The co-primary endpoints were death from any cause and the first occurrence of re-infarction, stroke 
or death. The population included 27.8% women, 58.4% patients ≥60 years (26% ≥70 years) and 
54.5% patients who received fibrinolytics. 

 
Clopidogrel significantly reduced the relative risk of death from any cause by 7% (p=0.029), and the 
relative risk of the combination of re-infarction, stroke or death by 9% (p=0.002), representing an 
absolute reduction of 0.5% and 0.9%, respectively. This benefit was consistent across age, gender and 
with or without fibrinolytics, and was observed as early as 24 hours. 
 
Atrial fibrillation 
 
The ACTIVE-W and ACTIVE-A studies, separate trials in the ACTIVE program, included patients 
with atrial fibrillation (AF) who had at least one risk factor for vascular events. Based on enrollment 
criteria, physicians enrolled patients in ACTIVE-W if they were candidates for vitamin K antagonist 
(VKA) therapy (such as warfarin). The ACTIVE-A study included patients who could not receive 
VKA therapy because they were unable or unwilling to receive the treatment. 
 
The ACTIVE-W study demonstrated that anticoagulant treatment with vitamin K antagonists was 
more effective than with clopidogrel and ASA. 
 
The ACTIVE-A study (N=7,554) was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 
study which compared clopidogrel 75 mg/day + ASA (N=3,772) to placebo + ASA (N=3,782). The 
recommended dose for ASA was 75 to 100 mg/day. Patients were treated for up to 5 years. 
 
Patients randomized in the ACTIVE program were those presenting with documented AF, i.e., either 
permanent AF or at least 2 episodes of intermittent AF in the past 6 months, and had at least one of the 
following risk factors: age ≥75 years or age 55 to 74 years and either diabetes mellitus requiring drug 
therapy, or documented previous MI or documented coronary artery disease; treated for systemic 
hypertension; prior stroke, transient ischaemic attack (TIA), or non-CNS systemic embolus; left 
ventricular dysfunction with left ventricular ejection fraction <45%; or documented peripheral 
vascular disease. The mean CHADS2 score was 2.0 (range 0-6). 
 
The major exclusion criteria for patients were documented peptic ulcer disease within the previous 
6 months; prior intracerebral hemorrhage; significant thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 50 x 109/l); 
requirement for clopidogrel or oral anticoagulants (OAC); or intolerance to any of the two compounds. 
 
Seventy-three percent (73%) of patients enrolled into the ACTIVE-A study were unable to take VKA 
due to physician assessment, inability to comply with INR (international normalised ratio) monitoring, 
predisposition to falling or head trauma, or specific risk of bleeding; for 26% of the patients, the 
physician’s decision was based on the patient’s unwillingness to take VKA.  
 



14 

The patient population included 41.8 % women. The mean age was 71 years, 41.6% of patients were 
≥75 years. A total of 23.0% of patients received anti-arrhythmics, 52.1% beta-blockers, 54.6% ACE 
inhibitors, and 25.4% statins. 
 
The number of patients who reached the primary endpoint (time to first occurrence of stroke, MI, 
non-CNS systemic embolism or vascular death) was 832 (22.1%) in the group treated with clopidogrel 
+ ASA and 924 (24.4%) in the placebo + ASA group (relative risk reduction of 11.1%; 95% CI of 
2.4% to 19.1%; p=0.013), primarily due to a large reduction in the incidence of strokes. Strokes 
occurred in 296 (7.8%) patients receiving clopidogrel + ASA and 408 (10.8%) patients receiving 
placebo + ASA (relative risk reduction, 28.4%; 95% CI, 16.8% to 38.3%; p=0.00001).  
 
Paediatric population 
In a dose escalation study of 86 neonates or infants up to 24 months of age at risk for thrombosis 
(PICOLO), clopidogrel was evaluated at consecutive doses of 0.01, 0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg in neonates and 
infants and 0.15 mg/kg only in neonates. The dose of 0.2 mg/kg achieved the mean percent inhibition 
of 49.3% (5 µM ADP-induced platelet aggregation) which was comparable to that of adults taking 
Clopidogrel 75 mg/day. 
 
In a randomised, double-blind, parallel-group study (CLARINET), 906 paediatric patients (neonates 
and infants) with cyanotic congenital heart disease palliated with a systemic-to-pulmonary arterial 
shunt were randomised to receive clopidogrel 0.2 mg/kg (n=467) or placebo (n=439) along with 
concomitant background therapy up to the time of second stage surgery. The mean time between shunt 
palliation and first administration of study medicinal product was 20 days. Approximately 88% of 
patients received concomitant ASA (range of 1 to 23 mg/kg/day). There was no significant difference 
between groups in the primary composite endpoint of death, shunt thrombosis or cardiac-related 
intervention prior to 120 days of age following an event considered of thrombotic nature (89 [19.1%] 
for the clopidogrel group and 90 [20.5%] for the placebo group) (see section 4.2). Bleeding was the 
most frequently reported adverse reaction in both clopidogrel and placebo groups; however, there was 
no significant difference in the bleeding rate between groups. In the long-term safety follow-up of this 
study, 26 patients with the shunt still in place at one year of age received clopidogrel up to 18 months 
of age. No new safety concerns were noted during this long-term follow-up. 
 
The CLARINET and the PICOLO trials were conducted using a constituted solution of clopidogrel. In 
a relative bioavailability study in adults, the constituted solution of clopidogrel showed a similar extent 
and slightly higher rate of absorption of the main circulating (inactive) metabolite compared to the 
authorised tablet. 
 
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties 
 
Absorption 
After single and repeated oral doses of 75 mg per day, clopidogrel is rapidly absorbed. Mean peak 
plasma levels of unchanged clopidogrel (approximately 2.2-2.5 ng/ml after a single 75 mg oral dose) 
occurred approximately 45 minutes after dosing. Absorption is at least 50%, based on urinary 
excretion of clopidogrel metabolites.  
 
Distribution 
Clopidogrel and the main circulating (inactive) metabolite bind reversibly in vitro to human plasma 
proteins (98% and 94% respectively). The binding is non-saturable in vitro over a wide concentration 
range.  
 
Biotransformation 
Clopidogrel is extensively metabolised by the liver. In vitro and in vivo, clopidogrel is metabolised 
according to two main metabolic pathways: one mediated by esterases and leading to hydrolysis into 
its inactive carboxylic acid derivative (85% of circulating metabolites), and one mediated by multiple 
cytochromes P450. Clopidogrel is first metabolised to a 2-oxo-clopidogrel intermediate metabolite. 
Subsequent metabolism of the 2-oxo-clopidogrel intermediate metabolite results in formation of the 
active metabolite, a thiol derivative of clopidogrel. The active metabolite is formed mostly by 



15 

CYP2C19 with contributions from several other CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6 and 
CYP3A4. The active thiol metabolite which has been isolated in vitro, binds rapidly and irreversibly to 
platelet receptors, thus inhibiting platelet aggregation. 
 
The Cmax of the active metabolite is twice as high following a single 300-mg clopidogrel loading dose 
as it is after four days of 75-mg maintenance dose. Cmax occurs approximately 30 to 60 minutes after 
dosing.  
 
Elimination 
Following an oral dose of 14C-labelled clopidogrel in man, approximately 50% was excreted in the 
urine and approximately 46% in the faeces in the 120-hour interval after dosing. After a single oral 
dose of 75 mg, clopidogrel has a half-life of approximately 6 hours. The elimination half-life of the 
main circulating (inactive) metabolite was 8 hours after single and repeated administration. 
 
Pharmacogenetics 
CYP2C19 is involved in the formation of both the active metabolite and the 2-oxo-clopidogrel 
intermediate metabolite. Clopidogrel active metabolite pharmacokinetics and antiplatelet effects, as 
measured by ex vivo platelet aggregation assays, differ according to CYP2C19 genotype. 
 
The CYP2C19*1 allele corresponds to fully functional metabolism while the CYP2C19*2 and 
CYP2C19*3 alleles are nonfunctional. The CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*3 alleles account for the 
majority of reduced function alleles in Caucasian (85%) and Asian (99%) poor metabolisers. Other 
alleles associated with absent or reduced metabolism are less frequent and include CYP2C19*4, *5, 
*6, *7, and *8. A patient with poor metaboliser status will possess two loss-of-function alleles as 
defined above. Published frequencies for the poor CYP2C19 metaboliser genotypes are approximately 
2% for Caucasians, 4% for Blacks and 14% for Chinese. Tests are available to determine a patient’s 
CYP2C19 genotype.  
 
A crossover study in 40 healthy subjects, 10 each in the four CYP2C19 metaboliser groups (ultrarapid, 
extensive, intermediate and poor), evaluated pharmacokinetic and antiplatelet responses using 300 mg 
followed by 75 mg/day and 600 mg followed by 150 mg/day, each for a total of 5 days (steady state). 
No substantial differences in active metabolite exposure and mean inhibition of platelet aggregation 
(IPA) were observed between ultrarapid, extensive and intermediate metabolisers. In poor 
metabolisers, active metabolite exposure was decreased by 63-71% compared to extensive 
metabolisers. After the 300 mg/75 mg dose regimen, antiplatelet responses were decreased in the poor 
metabolisers with mean IPA (5 μM ADP) of 24% (24 hours) and 37% (Day 5) as compared to IPA of 
39% (24 hours) and 58% (Day 5) in the extensive metabolisers and 37% (24 hours) and 60% (Day 5) 
in the intermediate metabolisers. When poor metabolisers received the 600 mg/150 mg regimen, active 
metabolite exposure was greater than with the 300 mg/75 mg regimen. In addition, IPA was 32% 
(24 hours) and 61% (Day 5), which were greater than in the poor metabolisers receiving the 
300 mg/75 mg regimen, and were similar to the other CYP2C19 metaboliser groups receiving the 
300 mg/75 mg regimen. An appropriate dose regimen for this patient population has not been 
established in clinical outcome trials. 
 
Consistent with the above results, in a meta-analysis including 6 studies of 335 clopidogrel-treated 
subjects at steady state, it was shown that active metabolite exposure was decreased by 28% for 
intermediate metabolisers, and 72% for poor metabolisers while platelet aggregation inhibition (5 μM 
ADP) was decreased with differences in IPA of 5.9% and 21.4%, respectively, when compared to 
extensive metabolisers. 
 
The influence of CYP2C19 genotype on clinical outcomes in patients treated with clopidogrel has not 
been evaluated in prospective, randomised, controlled trials. There have been a number of 
retrospective analyses, however, to evaluate this effect in patients treated with clopidogrel for whom 
there are genotyping results: CURE (n=2721), CHARISMA (n=2428), CLARITY-TIMI 28 (n=227), 
TRITON-TIMI 38 (n=1477), and ACTIVE-A (n=601), as well as a number of published cohort 
studies. 
 



16 

In TRITON-TIMI 38 and 3 of the cohort studies (Collet, Sibbing, Giusti) the combined group of 
patients with either intermediate or poor metaboliser status had a higher rate of cardiovascular events 
(death, myocardial infarction, and stroke) or stent thrombosis compared to extensive metabolisers. 
 
In CHARISMA and one cohort study (Simon), an increased event rate was observed only in poor 
metabolisers when compared to extensive metabolisers. 
 
In CURE, CLARITY, ACTIVE-A and one of the cohort studies (Trenk), no increased event rate was 
observed based on metaboliser status. 
 
None of these analyses were adequately sized to detect differences in outcome in poor metabolisers. 
 
Special populations 
 
The pharmacokinetics of the active metabolite of clopidogrel is not known in these special 
populations. 
 
Renal impairment  
After repeated doses of 75 mg clopidogrel per day in subjects with severe renal disease (creatinine 
clearance from 5 to 15 ml/min), inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation was lower (25%) than 
that observed in healthy subjects, however, the prolongation of bleeding time was similar to that seen 
in healthy subjects receiving 75 mg of clopidogrel per day. In addition, clinical tolerance was good in 
all patients. 
 
Hepatic impairment 
After repeated doses of 75 mg clopidogrel per day for 10 days in patients with severe hepatic 
impairment, inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation was similar to that observed in healthy 
subjects. The mean bleeding time prolongation was also similar in the two groups. 
 
Race 
The prevalence of CYP2C19 alleles that result in intermediate and poor CYP2C19 metabolism differs 
according to race/ethnicity (see Pharmacogenetics). From literature, limited data in Asian populations 
are available to assess the clinical implication of genotyping of this CYP on clinical outcome events. 
 
5.3 Preclinical safety data 
 
During non clinical studies in rat and baboon, the most frequently observed effects were liver changes. 
These occurred at doses representing at least 25 times the exposure seen in humans receiving the 
clinical dose of 75 mg/day and were a consequence of an effect on hepatic metabolising enzymes. No 
effect on hepatic metabolising enzymes was observed in humans receiving clopidogrel at the 
therapeutic dose. 
 
At very high doses, a poor gastric tolerability (gastritis, gastric erosions and/or vomiting) of 
clopidogrel was also reported in rat and baboon.  
 
There was no evidence of carcinogenic effect when clopidogrel was administered for 78 weeks to 
mice and 104 weeks to rats when given at doses up to 77 mg/kg per day (representing at least 25 times 
the exposure seen in humans receiving the clinical dose of 75 mg/day). 
 
Clopidogrel has been tested in a range of in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity studies, and showed no 
genotoxic activity.  
 
Clopidogrel was found to have no effect on the fertility of male and female rats and was not 
teratogenic in either rats or rabbits. When given to lactating rats, clopidogrel caused a slight delay in 
the development of the offspring. Specific pharmacokinetic studies performed with radiolabelled 
clopidogrel have shown that the parent compound or its metabolites are excreted in the milk. 



17 

Consequently, a direct effect (slight toxicity), or an indirect effect (low palatability) cannot be 
excluded. 
 
 
6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS 
 
6.1 List of excipients 
 
Tablet core: 
Cellulose, microcrystalline 
Colloidal anhydrous silica 
Crospovidone (type A) 
Macrogol 6000 
Hydrogenated castor oil 
 
Film coating:  
Polyvinyl alcohol Titanium dioxide (E171) 
Red iron oxide (E172) 
Yellow iron oxide (E172) 
Talc 
Macrogol 3000 
 
6.2 Incompatibilities 
 
Not applicable. 
 
6.3 Shelf life 
 
3 years. 
 
6.4 Special precautions for storage 
 
Store in the original package in order to protect from moisture and light. 
 
6.5 Nature and contents of container 
 
OPA/Al/PVC-Al blisters containing 28, 30, 50, 56, 84, 90 and 100 film-coated tablets or perforated 
unit dose blister (OPA/Al/PVC-Al) containing 28x1, 28x1 (calendar pack), 30x1, 50x1, 56x1, 84x1, 
90x1 and 100x1 film-coated tablets in a carton. 
 
Not all pack sizes may be marketed. 
 
6.6 Special precautions for disposal  
 
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local 
requirements. 
 
7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
HCS bvba 
H. Kennisstraat 53 
B-2650 Edegem 
Belgium 
 
 
8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)  



18 

 
EU/1/10/651/001 Cartons of 28 film-coated tablets in OPA/Al/PVC - Al blisters 
EU/1/10/651/002 Cartons of 30 film-coated tablets in OPA/Al/PVC - Al blisters 
EU/1/10/651/003 Cartons of 50 film-coated tablets in OPA/Al/PVC - Al blisters 
EU/1/10/651/004 Cartons of 56 film-coated tablets in OPA/Al/PVC - Al blisters 
EU/1/10/651/005 Cartons of 84 film-coated tablets in OPA/Al/PVC - Al blisters 
EU/1/10/651/006 Cartons of 90 film-coated tablets in OPA/Al/PVC - Al blisters 
EU/1/10/651/007 Cartons of 100 film-coated tablets in OPA/Al/PVC - Al blisters 
EU/1/10/651/008 Cartons of 28x1 film-coated tablets in OPA/Al/PVC - Al perforated unit-dose 

blisters 
EU/1/10/651/009 Cartons of 28x1 film-coated tablets in OPA/Al/PVC - Al perforated unit-dose 

blisters (calendar pack) 
EU/1/10/651/010 Cartons of 30x1 film-coated tablets in OPA/Al/PVC - Al perforated unit-dose 

blisters 
EU/1/10/651/011 Cartons of 50x1 film-coated tablets in OPA/Al/PVC - Al perforated unit-dose 

blisters 
EU/1/10/651/012 Cartons of 56x1 film-coated tablets in OPA/Al/PVC - Al perforated unit-dose 

blisters 
EU/1/10/651/013 Cartons of 84x1 film-coated tablets in OPA/Al/PVC - Al perforated unit-dose 

blisters 
EU/1/10/651/014 Cartons of 90x1 film-coated tablets in OPA/Al/PVC - Al perforated unit-dose 

blisters 
EU/1/10/651/015 Cartons of 100x1 film-coated tablets in OPA/Al/PVC - Al perforated unit-dose 

blisters 
 
 
9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION 
 
Date of first authorisation: 28 October 2010 
Date of latest renewal: 16 June 2015 
 
 
10. DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT 
 
 
Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines 
Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu/. 
 



19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

ANNEX II 
 

A. MANUFACTURERS RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH 
RELEASE 

 
B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY  

                               AND USE 
 

C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE 
MARKETING AUTHORISATION 

 
D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO  

  THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL   
                               PRODUCT 

 
 



20 

A. MANUFACTURERS RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE 
 
Name and address of the manufacturer responsible for batch release 
 
Krka, d.d., Novo mesto 
Šmarješka cesta 6 
8501 Novo mesto 
Slovenia 
 
 
B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE 
 
Medicinal product subject to medical prescription. 
 
 
C.      OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING 

AUTHORISATION 
 
• Periodic Safety Update Reports  
 
The marketing authorisation holder shall submit periodic safety update reports for this product in 
accordance with the requirements set out in the list of Union reference dates (EURD list) provided for 
under Article 107c(7) of Directive 2001/83/EC and published on the European medicines web-portal. 
 
• Pharmacovigilance system 
 
The MAH must ensure that the system of pharmacovigilance, presented in Module 1.8.1 of the 
Marketing Authorisation, is in place and functioning before and whilst the product is on the market. 
 
 
D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND 

EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
• Risk Management Plan (RMP)  
 
Not applicable. 



21 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

ANNEX III 
 

LABELLING AND PACKAGE LEAFLET 



22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A. LABELLING 



23 

 
PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING 
 
CARTON 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Clopidogrel HCS 75 mg film-coated tablets 
clopidogrel 
 
 
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 
 
Each film-coated tablet contains 75 mg of clopidogrel (as hydrochloride). 
 
 
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 
 
It also contains hydrogenated castor oil. 
See leaflet for further information. 
 
 
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 
 
28 film-coated tablets 
28x1 film-coated tablets 
30 film-coated tablets 
30x1 film-coated tablets 
50 film-coated tablets 
50x1 film-coated tablets 
56 film-coated tablets  
56x1 film-coated tablets 
84 film-coated tablets  
84x1 film-coated tablets 
90 film-coated tablets 
90x1 film-coated tablets 
100 film-coated tablets 
100x1 film-coated tablets 
 
 
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
Read the package leaflet before use. 
Oral use 
 
 
6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 

OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN 
 
Keep out of the sight and reach of children. 
 
 
7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY 



24 

 
 
8. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 
 
Store in the original package in order to protect from moisture and light. 
 
 
10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 
OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 
APPROPRIATE 
 
 
11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
HCS bvba 
H. Kennisstraat 53 
B-2650 Edegem 
Belgium 
 
 
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)  
 
EU/1/10/651/001 28 film-coated tablets 
EU/1/10/651/002 30 film-coated tablets 
EU/1/10/651/003 50 film-coated tablets 
EU/1/10/651/004 56 film-coated tablets 
EU/1/10/651/005 84 film-coated tablets 
EU/1/10/651/006 90 film-coated tablets 
EU/1/10/651/007 100 film-coated tablets 
EU/1/10/651/008 28x1 film-coated tablets 
EU/1/10/651/009 28x1 film-coated tablets (calendar pack) 
EU/1/10/651/010 30x1 film-coated tablets 
EU/1/10/651/011 50x1 film-coated tablets 
EU/1/10/651/012 56x1 film-coated tablets 
EU/1/10/651/013 84x1 film-coated tablets 
EU/1/10/651/014 90x1 film-coated tablets 
EU/1/10/651/015 100x1 film-coated tablets 
 
 
13. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot 
 
 
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 
 
Medicinal product subject to medical prescription. 
 
 



25 

15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 
 
 
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 
 
Clopidogrel HCS 75 mg  
 
17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE 
 
2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included. 
 
 
18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – HUMAN READABLE DATA 
 
PC: 
SN: 
NN: 
 



26 

 
MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON BLISTERS OR STRIPS 
 
BLISTER (28, 28x1, 30, 30x1, 50, 50x1, 56, 56x1, 84, 84x1, 90, 90x1, 100, 100x1 film-coated 
tablets) 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Clopidogrel HCS 75 mg film-coated tablets 
clopidogrel 
 
 
2. NAME OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
HCS bvba 
 
 
3. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
4. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot 
 
 
5. OTHER 
 



27 

 
MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON BLISTERS OR STRIPS 
 
BLISTER (28x1 film-coated tablets-calendar pack) 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Clopidogrel HCS 75 mg film-coated tablets 
clopidogrel 
 
 
2. NAME OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
HCS bvba 
 
 
3. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
4. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot 
 
 
5. OTHER 
 
Mon 
Tue 
Wed 
Thu 
Fri 
Sat 
Sun 



28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

B. PACKAGE LEAFLET 
 



29 

Package leaflet: Information for the user 
 

Clopidogrel HCS 75 mg film-coated tablets 
Clopidogrel 

 
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because it contains 

important information for you. 
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again. 
- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, 

even if their signs of illness are the same as yours. 
- If you have any side effects, including any side effects not listed in this leaflet, talk to your 

doctor or pharmacist. See section 4. 
 
 
What is in this leaflet:  
1. What Clopidogrel HCS is and what it is used for 
2. What you need to know before you take Clopidogrel HCS  
3. How to take Clopidogrel HCS  
4. Possible side effects 
5. How to store Clopidogrel HCS  
6. Contents of the pack and other information 
 
 
1. What Clopidogrel HCS is and what it is used for  
 
Clopidogrel HCS contains clopidogrel and belongs to a group of medicines called antiplatelet 
medicinal products. Platelets are very small structures in the blood, which clump together during blood 
clotting. By preventing this clumping, antiplatelet medicinal products reduce the chances of blood 
clots forming (a process called thrombosis). 
 
Clopidogrel HCS is taken by adults to prevent blood clots (thrombi) forming in hardened blood 
vessels (arteries), a process known as atherothrombosis, which can lead to atherothrombotic events 
(such as stroke, heart attack, or death). 
 
You have been prescribed Clopidogrel HCS to help prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of these 
severe events because: 
- You have a condition of hardening of arteries (also known as atherosclerosis), and 
- You have previously experienced a heart attack, stroke or have a condition known as peripheral 

arterial disease, or 
- You have experienced a severe type of chest pain known as ‘unstable angina’  or ‘myocardial 

infarction’  (heart attack). For the treatment of this condition your doctor may have placed a 
stent in the blocked or narrowed artery to restore effective blood flow. You should also be given 
acetylsalicylic acid (a substance present in many medicines used to relieve pain and lower fever 
as well as to prevent blood clotting) by your doctor. 

- You have an irregular heartbeat, a condition called ‘atrial fibrillation’, and you cannot take 
medicines known as ‘oral anticoagulants’ (vitamin K antagonists) which prevent new clots from 
forming and prevent existing clots from growing. You should have been told that ‘oral 
anticoagulants’ are more effective than acetylsalicylic acid or the combined use of Clopidogrel 
HCS and acetylsalicylic acid for this condition. Your doctor should have prescribed Clopidogrel 
HCS plus acetylsalicylic acid if you cannot take ‘oral anticoagulants’ and you do not have a risk 
of major bleeding. 

 
 
2. What you need to know before you take Clopidogrel HCS   
 



30 

Do not take Clopidogrel HCS  
• If you are allergic to clopidogrel or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in 

section 6). 
• If you have a medical condition that is currently causing bleeding such as a stomach ulcer or 

bleeding within the brain, 
• If you suffer from severe liver disease. 
 
If you think any of these apply to you, or if you are in any doubt at all, consult your doctor before 
taking Clopidogrel HCS. 
 
Warnings and precautions  
If any of the situations mentioned below apply to you, you should tell your doctor before taking 
Clopidogrel HCS: 
• if you have a risk of bleeding such as 

- a medical condition that puts you at risk of internal bleeding (such as a stomach ulcer). 
- a blood disorder that makes you prone to internal bleeding (bleeding inside any tissues, organs 

or joints of your body). 
- a recent serious injury. 
- a recent surgery (including dental). 
- a planned surgery (including dental) in the next seven days. 

• if you have had a clot in an artery of your brain (ischaemic stroke) which occurred within the 
last seven days. 

• if you have kidney or liver disease. 
• if you have had an allergy or reaction to any medicine used to treat your disease. 
 
While you are taking Clopidogrel HCS: 
• You should tell your doctor if a surgery (including dental) is planned. 
• You should also tell your doctor immediately if you develop a medical condition (also known as 

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura or TTP) that includes fever and bruising under the skin 
that may appear as red pinpoint dots, with or without unexplained extreme tiredness, confusion, 
yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) (see section 4 ‘Possible side effects’). 

• If you cut or injure yourself, it may take longer than usual for bleeding to stop. This is linked to 
the way your medicine works as it prevents the ability of blood clots to form. For minor cuts 
and injuries e.g., cutting yourself, shaving, this is usually of no concern. However, if you are 
concerned by your bleeding, you should contact your doctor straightaway (see section 4 
‘Possible side effects’). 

• Your doctor may order blood tests. 
 
Children and adolescents 
Do not give this medicine to children (under 12 years of age) because it does not work. 
 
Other medicines and Clopidogrel HCS 
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken or might take any other 
medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. 
Some other medicines may influence the use of Clopidogrel HCS or vice versa. 
 
You should specifically tell your doctor if you take 
- medicines that may increase your risk of bleeding such as: 

o  oral anticoagulants, medicines used to reduce blood clotting, 
o a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine, usually used to treat painful and/or 

inflammatory conditions of muscle or joints, 
o heparin, or any other injectable medicine used to reduce blood clotting, 
o ticlopidine, other antiplatelet agent, 
o a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (including but not restricted to fluoxetine or 

fluvoxamine), medicines usually used to treat depression, 
- omeprazole or esomeprazole, medicines to treat upset stomach, 



31 

- fluconazole or voriconazole medicines to treat fungal infections, 
- efavirenz, a medicine to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infections, 
- carbamazepine, a medicine to treat some forms of epilepsy, 
- moclobemide, medicine to treat depression, 
- repaglinide, medicine to treat diabetes, 
- paclitaxel, medicine to treat cancer. 
 
If you have experienced severe chest pain (unstable angina or heart attack), you may be prescribed 
clopidogrel in combination with acetylsalicylic acid, a substance present in many medicines used to 
relieve pain and lower fever. An occasional use of acetylsalicylic acid (no more than 1,000 mg in any 
24 hour period) should generally not cause a problem, but prolonged use in other circumstances should 
be discussed with your doctor. 
 
Pregnancy and breast-feeding 
It is preferable not to take this product during pregnancy. 
 
If you are pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant, you should tell your doctor or your pharmacist 
before taking Clopidogrel HCS. If you become pregnant while taking Clopidogrel HCS, consult your 
doctor immediately as it is recommended not to take clopidogrel while you are pregnant. 
 
You should not breast-feed while taking this medicine. 
If you are breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine. 
 
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine. 
 
Driving and using machines 
Clopidogrel HCS is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or to use machines. 
 
Clopidogrel HCS contains hydrogenated castor oil 
This may cause stomach upset or diarrhoea. 
 
 
3. How to take Clopidogrel HCS  
 
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. You should check with 
your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.  
 
The recommended dose, including for patients with a condition called ‘atrial fibrillation’ (an irregular 
heartbeat), is one 75 mg tablet of Clopidogrel HCS per day to be taken orally with or without food, 
and at the same time each day. 
 
If you have experienced severe chest pain (unstable angina or heart attack), your doctor may give you 
300 mg of Clopidogrel HCS (4 tablets of 75 mg) once at the start of treatment. Then, the 
recommended dose is one 75 mg tablet of Clopidogrel HCS per day as described above. 
 
You should take Clopidogrel HCS for as long as your doctor continues to prescribe it. 
 
If you take more Clopidogrel HCS than you should 
Contact your doctor or the nearest hospital emergency department because of the increased risk of 
bleeding. 
 
If you forget to take Clopidogrel HCS  
If you forget to take a dose of Clopidogrel HCS, but remember within 12 hours of your usual time, 
take your tablet straightaway and then take your next tablet at the usual time. 
 



32 

If you forget for more than 12 hours, simply take the next single dose at the usual time. Do not take a 
double dose to make up for a forgotten tablet. 
 
For the 28x1 tablets pack size, you can check the day on which you last took a tablet of Clopidogrel 
HCS by referring to the calendar printed on the blister. 
 
If you stop taking Clopidogrel HCS  
Do not stop the treatment unless your doctor tells you so. Contact your doctor or pharmacist before 
stopping. 
 
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 
 
 
4. Possible side effects 
 
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. 
 
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience: 
- fever, signs of infection or extreme tiredness. These may be due to rare decrease of some blood 

cells. 
- signs of liver problems such as yellowing of the skin and/or the eyes (jaundice), whether or not 

associated with bleeding which appears under the skin as red pinpoint dots and/or confusion 
(see section 2 ‘Warnings and precautions’). 

- swelling in the mouth or skin disorders such as rashes and itching, blisters of the skin. These 
may be the signs of an allergic reaction. 

 
The most common side effect reported with Clopidogrel HCS is bleeding. 
Bleeding may occur as bleeding in the stomach or bowels, bruising, haematoma (unusual bleeding or 
bruising under the skin), nose bleed, blood in the urine. In a small number of cases, bleeding in the 
eye, inside the head, the lung or the joints has also been reported. 
 
If you experience prolonged bleeding when taking Clopidogrel HCS 
If you cut or injure yourself, it may take slightly longer than usual for bleeding to stop. This is linked 
to the way your medicine works as it prevents the ability of blood clots to form. For minor cuts and 
injuries e.g., cutting yourself, shaving, this is usually of no concern. However, if you are concerned by 
your bleeding, you should contact your doctor straightaway (see section 2 ‘Warnings and 
precautions’). 
 
Other side effects include: 
 
Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):  
Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, indigestion or heartburn. 
 
Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):  
Headache, stomach ulcer, vomiting, nausea, constipation, excessive gas in stomach or intestines, 
rashes, itching, dizziness, sensation of tingling and numbness. 
 
Rare side effect (may affect up to 1 in 1000 people):  
Vertigo, enlarged breasts in males. 
 
Very rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people):  
Jaundice; severe abdominal pain with or without back pain; fever, breathing difficulties sometimes 
associated with cough; generalised allergic reactions (for example, overall sensation of heat with 
sudden general discomfort until fainting); swelling in the mouth; blisters of the skin; skin allergy; sore  
mouth (stomatitis); decrease in blood pressure; confusion; hallucinations; joint pain; muscular pain; 
changes in taste or loss of taste of food. 



33 

Side effects with frequency not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data): 
Hypersensitivity reactions with chest or abdominal pain. 
 
In addition, your doctor may identify changes in your blood or urine test results. 
 
Reporting of side effects 
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects 
not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system 
listed in Appendix V. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of 
this medicine. 
 
5. How to store Clopidogrel HCS 
 
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. 
 
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and on the blister, after 
EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. 
 
Store in the original package in order to protect from moisture and light. 
 
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to 
throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help to protect the environment. 
 
 
6. Contents of the pack and other information 
 
What Clopidogrel HCS contains 
The active substance is clopidogrel. Each film- coated tablet contains 75 mg of clopidogrel (as 
hydrochloride). 
 
The other ingredients are (see section 2 ‘Clopidogrel HCS contains hydrogenated castor oil’): 

• Tablet core: microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal anhydrous silica, crospovidone (type A), 
macrogol 6000 and hydrogenated castor oil. 

• Tablet coating: Polyvinyl alcohol, titanium dioxide (E171), red iron oxide (E172), yellow 
iron oxide (E172), talc and macrogol 3000. 

 
What Clopidogrel HCS looks like and contents of the pack 
The film-coated tablets are pink, round and slightly convex. 
Boxes of 28, 30, 50, 56, 84, 90 or 100 film-coated tablets in blisters or boxes of 28x1, 28x1 (calendar 
pack), 30x1, 50x1, 56x1, 84x1, 90x1 and 100x1 film-coated tablets in perforated unit dose blisters are 
available. 
 
Not all pack sizes may be marketed. 
 
Marketing Authorisation Holder 
HCS bvba, H. Kennisstraat 53, B 2650 Edegem, Belgium 
 
Manufacturer 
KRKA, d.d., Novo mesto, Šmarješka cesta 6, 8501 Novo mesto, Slovenia 
 
For any information about this medicinal product, please contact the local representative of the 
Marketing Authorisation Holder 
 



34 

België/Belgique/Belgien  
Teva Pharma Belgium N.V./S.A./AG  
Tel/Tél: +32 3 820 73 73  
 

Lietuva 
UAB “Sicor Biotech” 
Tel: +370 5 266 02 03 

България  
Тева Фармасютикълс България ЕООД 
Teл: +359 2 489 95 82 

Luxembourg/Luxemburg  
ratiopharm GmbH 
Allemagne/Deutschland 
Tél: +49 731 402 02 
 

Česká republika  
Teva Pharmaceuticals CR, s.r.o.  
Tel: +420 251 007 111 
 

Magyarország  
Teva Gyógyszergyár Zrt.  
Tel.: +36 1 288 64 00  

Danmark  
Teva Denmark A/S  
Tlf: +45 44 98 55 11 
  

Malta  
Teva Pharmaceuticals Ireland 
L-Irlanda 
Tel: +353 51 321740 
 

Deutschland 
TEVA GmbH 
Tel: (+49) 731 402 08 
 

Nederland  
Teva Nederland B.V. 
Tel: +31 (0) 800 0228400  
 

Eesti 
Teva Eesti esindus UAB Sicor Biotech 
Eesti filiaal 
Tel: +372 6610801 
 

Norge 
TevaNorway AS 
Tlf: 47 66 77 55 90 

Ελλάδα 
Teva Ελλάς Α.Ε. 
Τηλ: +30 210 72 79 099 
 

Österreich 
ratiopharm Arzneimittel Vertriebs-GmbH 
Tel: +43/1/97007-0 

España 
TEVA PHARMA, S.L.U. 
Tel: +(34) 91 387 32 80 
 

Polska 
Teva Pharmaceuticals Polska Sp. z o.o. 
Tel.: +(48) 22 345 93 00 

France 
Teva Santé 
Tél: +(33) 1 55 91 7800 
 

Portugal 
Teva Pharma - Produtos Farmacêuticos Lda 
Tel: +351 21 476 75 50 

Hrvatska 
Pliva Hrvatska d.o.o. 
Tel:+ 385 1 37 20 000 
 

România 
Teva Pharmaceuticals S.R.L 
Tel: +4021 230 65 24 
 

Ireland 
Teva Pharmaceuticals Ireland 
Tel: +353 (0)51 321 740 
 

Slovenija 
Pliva Ljubljana d.o.o. 
Tel: +386 1 58 90 390 
 

Ísland 
ratiopharm Oy 
Finnland 
Sími: +358 20 180 5900 

Slovenská republika 
Teva Pharmaceuticals Slovakia s.r.o. 
Tel: +(421) 2 5726 7911 
 

 
Italia 
Teva Italia S.r.l. 
Tel: +(39) 028917981 

 
Suomi/Finland 
ratiopharm Oy 
Puh/Tel: +358 20 180 5900 
 



35 

Κύπρος 
Teva Ελλάς Α.Ε. 
Ελλάδα 
Τηλ: +30 210 72 79 099 
 

Sverige 
Teva Sweden AB 
Tel: +(46) 42 12 11 00 
 

Latvija 
UAB Sicor Biotech filiāle Latvijā  
Tel: +371 67 323 666 

United Kingdom 
Teva UK Limited 
Tel: +44(0) 1977 628500 

 
This leaflet was last revised in <Month YYYY>. 
 
Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency website: 
http://www.ema.europa.eu. 



 

1 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

ANNEX I 
 

SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS 



 

2 

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Plavix 75 mg film-coated tablets 
Plavix 300 mg film-coated tablets 
 
 
2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION 
 
Plavix 75 mg film-coated tablets 
Each film-coated tablet contains 75 mg of clopidogrel (as hydrogen sulphate). 
 
Excipients with known effect:  
Each film-coated tablet contains 3 mg of lactose and 3.3 mg of hydrogenated castor oil. 
 
Plavix 300 mg film-coated tablets 
Each film-coated tablet contains 300 mg of clopidogrel (as hydrogen sulphate). 
 
Excipients with known effect:  
Each film-coated tablet contains 12 mg of lactose and 13.2 mg of hydrogenated castor oil.  
 
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1. 
 
 
3.  PHARMACEUTICAL FORM 
 
Film-coated tablet. 
 
Plavix 75 mg film-coated tablets 
Pink, round, biconvex, engraved with «75» on one side and «1171» on the other side. 
 
Plavix 300 mg film-coated tablets 
Pink, oblong, engraved with «300» on one side and «1332» on the other side. 
 
 
4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS 
 
4.1 Therapeutic indications 
 
Secondary prevention of atherothrombotic events 
Clopidogrel is indicated in: 
 
 Adult patients suffering from myocardial infarction (from a few days until less than 35 days), 

ischaemic stroke (from 7 days until less than 6 months) or established peripheral arterial disease. 
 
 Adult patients suffering from acute coronary syndrome: 

- Non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (unstable angina or non-Q-wave 
myocardial infarction), including patients undergoing a stent placement following 
percutaneous coronary intervention, in combination with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). 

- ST segment elevation acute myocardial infarction, in combination with ASA in medically 
treated patients eligible for thrombolytic therapy. 

 
Prevention of atherothrombotic and thromboembolic events in atrial fibrillation 
In adult patients with atrial fibrillation who have at least one risk factor for vascular events, are not 
suitable for treatment with Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and who have a low bleeding risk, 
clopidogrel is indicated in combination with ASA for the prevention of atherothrombotic and 
thromboembolic events, including stroke. 

 



 

3 

For further information please refer to section 5.1. 
 

4.2 Posology and method of administration 
 
Posology 
 Adults and elderly 
 
Plavix 75 mg film-coated tablets 

Clopidogrel should be given as a single daily dose of 75 mg.  
 
Plavix 300 mg film-coated tablets 

This 300 mg tablet of clopidogrel is intended for use as a loading dose. 
 
In patients suffering from acute coronary syndrome: 

 Non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (unstable angina or non-Q-wave 
myocardial infarction): clopidogrel treatment should be initiated with a single 300-mg 
loading dose and then continued at 75 mg once a day (with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) 
75 mg-325 mg daily). Since higher doses of ASA were associated with higher bleeding 
risk it is recommended that the dose of ASA should not be higher than 100 mg. The 
optimal duration of treatment has not been formally established. Clinical trial data 
support use up to 12 months, and the maximum benefit was seen at 3 months (see 
section 5.1). 

- ST segment elevation acute myocardial infarction: clopidogrel should be given as a 
single daily dose of 75 mg initiated with a 300-mg loading dose in combination with 
ASA and with or without thrombolytics. For patients over 75 years of age clopidogrel 
should be initiated without a loading dose. Combined therapy should be started as early 
as possible after symptoms start and continued for at least four weeks. The benefit of the 
combination of clopidogrel with ASA beyond four weeks has not been studied in this 
setting (see section 5.1). 
 

In patients with atrial fibrillation, clopidogrel should be given as a single daily dose of 75 mg. 
ASA (75-100 mg daily) should be initiated and continued in combination with clopidogrel (see 
section 5.1). 

 
If a dose is missed: 

- Within less than 12 hours after regular scheduled time: patients should take the dose 
immediately and then take the next dose at the regular scheduled time. 

- For more than 12 hours: patients should take the next dose at the regular scheduled time 
and should not double the dose. 

 
 Paediatric population 

Clopidogrel should not be used in children because of efficacy concerns (see section 5.1). 
 
 Renal impairment 

Therapeutic experience is limited in patients with renal impairment (see section 4.4). 
 

 Hepatic impairment 
Therapeutic experience is limited in patients with moderate hepatic disease who may have 
bleeding diatheses (see section 4.4). 
 

Method of administration 
For oral use 
It may be given with or without food. 
 
4.3 Contraindications 
 



 

4 

 Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 2 or section 
6.1. 

 Severe hepatic impairment. 
 Active pathological bleeding such as peptic ulcer or intracranial haemorrhage. 

 
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use 

 
Bleeding and haematological disorders 
Due to the risk of bleeding and haematological adverse reactions, blood cell count determination 
and/or other appropriate testing should be promptly considered whenever clinical symptoms suggestive 
of bleeding arise during the course of treatment (see section 4.8). As with other antiplatelet agents, 
clopidogrel should be used with caution in patients who may be at risk of increased bleeding from 
trauma, surgery or other pathological conditions and in patients receiving treatment with ASA, heparin, 
glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including Cox-2 
inhibitors, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), or other medicinal products associated 
with bleeding risk such as pentoxifylline (see section 4.5). Patients should be followed carefully for 
any signs of bleeding including occult bleeding, especially during the first weeks of treatment and/or 
after invasive cardiac procedures or surgery. The concomitant administration of clopidogrel with oral 
anticoagulants is not recommended since it may increase the intensity of bleedings (see section 4.5). 
 
If a patient is to undergo elective surgery and antiplatelet effect is temporarily not desirable, 
clopidogrel should be discontinued 7 days prior to surgery. Patients should inform physicians and 
dentists that they are taking clopidogrel before any surgery is scheduled and before any new medicinal 
product is taken. Clopidogrel prolongs bleeding time and should be used with caution in patients who 
have lesions with a propensity to bleed (particularly gastrointestinal and intraocular). 
 
Patients should be told that it might take longer than usual to stop bleeding when they take clopidogrel 
(alone or in combination with ASA), and that they should report any unusual bleeding (site or duration) 
to their physician.  
 
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) 
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) has been reported very rarely following the use of 
clopidogrel, sometimes after a short exposure. It is characterised by thrombocytopenia and 
microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia associated with either neurological findings, renal dysfunction 
or fever. TTP is a potentially fatal condition requiring prompt treatment including plasmapheresis. 
 
Acquired haemophilia 
Acquired haemophilia has been reported following use of clopidogrel. In cases of confirmed isolated 
activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) prolongation with or without bleeding, acquired 
haemophilia should be considered. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of acquired haemophilia should 
be managed and treated by specialists, and clopidogrel should be discontinued. 
 
Recent ischaemic stroke 
In view of the lack of data, clopidogrel cannot be recommended during the first 7 days after acute 
ischaemic stroke. 
 
Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) 
Pharmacogenetics: In patients who are poor CYP2C19 metabolisers, clopidogrel at recommended 
doses forms less of the active metabolite of clopidogrel and has a smaller effect on platelet function. 
Tests are available to identify a patient's CYP2C19 genotype.  
 
Since clopidogrel is metabolised to its active metabolite partly by CYP2C19, use of medicinal products 
that inhibit the activity of this enzyme would be expected to result in reduced drug levels of the active 
metabolite of clopidogrel. The clinical relevance of this interaction is uncertain. As a precaution 
concomitant use of strong or moderate CYP2C19 inhibitors should be discouraged (see section 4.5 for 
a list of CYP2C19 inhibitors, see also section 5.2).  
 



 

5 

CYP2C8 substrates 
Caution is required in patients treated concomitantly with clopidogrel and CYP2C8 substrate medicinal 
products (see section 4.5). 
 
Cross-reactions among thienopyridines 
Patients should be evaluated for history of hypersensitivity to thienopyridines (such as clopidogrel, 
ticlopidine, prasugrel) since cross-reactivity among thienopyridines has been reported (see section 4.8). 
Thienopyridines may cause mild to severe allergic reactions such as rash, angioedema, or 
haematological cross-reactions such as thrombocytopaenia and neutropaenia. Patients who had 
developed a previous allergic reaction and/or haematological reaction to one thienopyridine may have 
an increased risk of developing the same or another reaction to another thienopyridine. Monitoring for 
signs of hypersensitivity in patients with a known allergy to thienopyridines is advised. 
 
Renal impairment 
Therapeutic experience with clopidogrel is limited in patients with renal impairment. Therefore 
clopidogrel should be used with caution in these patients (see section 4.2). 
 
Hepatic impairment 
Experience is limited in patients with moderate hepatic disease who may have bleeding diatheses. 
Clopidogrel should therefore be used with caution in this population (see section 4.2). 
 
Excipients 
Plavix contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp 
lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicinal product. 
 
This medicinal product contains hydrogenated castor oil which may cause stomach upset and 
diarrhoea. 
 
4.5  Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction 
 
Medicinal products associated with bleeding risk: There is an increased risk of bleeding due to the 
potential additive effect. The concomitant administration of medicinal products associated with 
bleeding risk should be undertaken with caution (see section 4.4). 
 
Oral anticoagulants: the concomitant administration of clopidogrel with oral anticoagulants is not 
recommended since it may increase the intensity of bleedings (see section 4.4). Although the 
administration of clopidogrel 75 mg/day did not modify the pharmacokinetics of S-warfarin or 
International Normalised Ratio (INR) in patients receiving long-term warfarin therapy, 
coadministration of clopidogrel with warfarin increases the risk of bleeding because of independent 
effects on hemostasis. 
 
Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors: clopidogrel should be used with caution in patients who receive 
concomitant glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (see section 4.4). 
 
Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA): ASA did not modify the clopidogrel-mediated inhibition of ADP-induced 
platelet aggregation, but clopidogrel potentiated the effect of ASA on collagen-induced platelet 
aggregation. However, concomitant administration of 500 mg of ASA twice a day for one day did not 
significantly increase the prolongation of bleeding time induced by clopidogrel intake. A 
pharmacodynamic interaction between clopidogrel and acetylsalicylic acid is possible, leading to 
increased risk of bleeding. Therefore, concomitant use should be undertaken with caution (see section 
4.4). However, clopidogrel and ASA have been administered together for up to one year (see section 
5.1). 
 
Heparin: in a clinical study conducted in healthy subjects, clopidogrel did not necessitate modification 
of the heparin dose or alter the effect of heparin on coagulation. Co-administration of heparin had no 
effect on the inhibition of platelet aggregation induced by clopidogrel. A pharmacodynamic interaction 



 

6 

between clopidogrel and heparin is possible, leading to increased risk of bleeding. Therefore, 
concomitant use should be undertaken with caution (see section 4.4). 
 
Thrombolytics: the safety of the concomitant administration of clopidogrel, fibrin or non-fibrin specific 
thrombolytic agents and heparins was assessed in patients with acute myocardial infarction. The 
incidence of clinically significant bleeding was similar to that observed when thrombolytic agents and 
heparin are co-administered with ASA (see section 4.8) 
 
NSAIDs: in a clinical study conducted in healthy volunteers, the concomitant administration of 
clopidogrel and naproxen increased occult gastrointestinal blood loss. However, due to the lack of 
interaction studies with other NSAIDs it is presently unclear whether there is an increased risk of 
gastrointestinal bleeding with all NSAIDs. Consequently, NSAIDs including Cox-2 inhibitors and 
clopidogrel should be co-administered with caution (see section 4.4). 
 
SSRIs: since SSRIs affect platelet activation and increase the risk of bleeding, the concomitant 
administration of SSRIs with clopidogrel should be undertaken with caution. 
 
Other concomitant therapy: Since clopidogrel is metabolised to its active metabolite partly by 
CYP2C19, use of medicinal products that inhibit the activity of this enzyme would be expected to 
result in reduced drug levels of the active metabolite of clopidogrel. The clinical relevance of this 
interaction is uncertain. As a precaution concomitant use of strong or moderate CYP2C19 inhibitors 
should be discouraged (see sections 4.4 and 5.2). 
 
Medicinal products that are strong or moderate CYP2C19 inhibitors include, for example, omeprazole 
and esomeprazole, fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, moclobemide, voriconazole, fluconazole, ticlopidine, 
carbamazepine, and efavirenz. 
 
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI):  
Omeprazole 80 mg once daily administered either at the same time as clopidogrel or with 12 hours 
between the administrations of the two drugs decreased the exposure of the active metabolite by 45% 
(loading dose) and 40% (maintenance dose). The decrease was associated with a 39% (loading dose) 
and 21% (maintenance dose) reduction of inhibition of platelet aggregation. Esomeprazole is expected 
to give a similar interaction with clopidogrel. 
 
Inconsistent data on the clinical implications of this pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic (PD) 
interaction in terms of major cardiovascular events have been reported from both observational and 
clinical studies. As a precaution, concomitant use of omeprazole or esomeprazole should be 
discouraged (see section 4.4).  
 
Less pronounced reductions of metabolite exposure has been observed with pantoprazole or 
lansoprazole. 
The plasma concentrations of the active metabolite was 20% reduced (loading dose) and 14% reduced 
(maintenance dose) during concomitant treatment with pantoprazole 80 mg once daily. This was 
associated with a reduction of the mean inhibition of platelet aggregation by 15% and 11%, 
respectively. These results indicate that clopidogrel can be administered with pantoprazole. 
 
There is no evidence that other medicinal products that reduce stomach acid such as H2 blockers or 
antacids interfere with antiplatelet activity of clopidogrel. 
 
Other medicinal products: A number of other clinical studies have been conducted with clopidogrel 
and other concomitant medicinal products to investigate the potential for pharmacodynamic and 
pharmacokinetic interactions. No clinically significant pharmacodynamic interactions were observed 
when clopidogrel was co-administered with atenolol, nifedipine, or both atenolol and nifedipine. 
Furthermore, the pharmacodynamic activity of clopidogrel was not significantly influenced by the co-
administration of phenobarbital or oestrogen. 
 



 

7 

The pharmacokinetics of digoxin or theophylline were not modified by the co-administration of 
clopidogrel. Antacids did not modify the extent of clopidogrel absorption. 
 
Data from the CAPRIE study indicate that phenytoin and tolbutamide which are metabolised by 
CYP2C9 can be safely co-administered with clopidogrel. 
 
CYP2C8 substrate medicinal products: Clopidogrel has been shown to increase repaglinide exposure in 
healthy volunteers. In vitro studies have shown the increase in repaglinide exposure is due to inhibition 
of CYP2C8 by the glucuronide metabolite of clopidogrel. Due to the risk of increased plasma 
concentrations, concomitant administration of clopidogrel and drugs primarily cleared by CYP2C8 
metabolism (e.g., repaglinide, paclitaxel) should be undertaken with caution (see section 4.4). 
 
Apart from the specific medicinal product interaction information described above, interaction studies 
with clopidogrel and some medicinal products commonly administered in patients with 
atherothrombotic disease have not been performed. However, patients entered into clinical trials with 
clopidogrel received a variety of concomitant medicinal products including diuretics, beta blockers, 
ACEI, calcium antagonists, cholesterol lowering agents, coronary vasodilators, antidiabetic agents 
(including insulin), antiepileptic agents and GPIIb/IIIa antagonists without evidence of clinically 
significant adverse interactions. 
 
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation 
 
Pregnancy 
As no clinical data on exposure to clopidogrel during pregnancy are available, it is preferable not to 
use clopidogrel during pregnancy as a precautionary measure. 
 
Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to pregnancy, 
embryonal/foetal development, parturition or postnatal development (see section 5.3). 
 
Breast-feeding 
It is unknown whether clopidogrel is excreted in human breast milk. Animal studies have shown 
excretion of clopidogrel in breast milk. As a precautionary measure, breast-feeding should not be 
continued during treatment with Plavix.  
 
Fertility 
Clopidogrel was not shown to alter fertility in animal studies. 
 
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines  
 
Clopidogrel has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines. 
 
4.8 Undesirable effects 
 
Summary of the safety profile 
 
Clopidogrel has been evaluated for safety in more than 44,000 patients who have participated in 
clinical studies, including over 12,000 patients treated for 1 year or more. Overall, clopidogrel 
75 mg/day was comparable to ASA 325 mg/day in CAPRIE regardless of age, gender and race. The 
clinically relevant adverse reactions observed in the CAPRIE, CURE, CLARITY, COMMIT and 
ACTIVE-A studies are discussed below. In addition to clinical studies experience, adverse reactions 
have been spontaneously reported. 
 
Bleeding is the most common reaction reported both in clinical studies as well as in post-marketing 
experience where it was mostly reported during the first month of treatment. 
 
In CAPRIE, in patients treated with either clopidogrel or ASA, the overall incidence of any bleeding 
was 9.3%. The incidence of severe cases was similar for clopidogrel and ASA. 



 

8 

 
In CURE, there was no excess in major bleeds with clopidogrel plus ASA within 7 days after coronary 
bypass graft surgery in patients who stopped therapy more than five days prior to surgery. In patients 
who remained on therapy within five days of bypass graft surgery, the event rate was 9.6% for 
clopidogrel plus ASA, and 6.3% for placebo plus ASA. 
 
In CLARITY, there was an overall increase in bleeding in the clopidogrel plus ASA group vs. the 
placebo plus ASA group .The incidence of major bleeding was similar between groups . This was 
consistent across subgroups of patients defined by baseline characteristics, and type of fibrinolytic or 
heparin therapy.  
 
In COMMIT, the overall rate of noncerebral major bleeding or cerebral bleeding was low and similar 
in both groups. 
 
In ACTIVE-A, the rate of major bleeding was greater in the clopidogrel + ASA group than in the 
placebo + ASA group (6.7% versus 4.3%). Major bleeding was mostly of extracranial origin in both 
groups (5.3% in the clopidogrel + ASA group; 3.5% in the placebo +ASA group), mainly from the 
gastrointestinal tract (3.5% vs. 1.8%). There was an excess of intracranial bleeding in the clopidogrel + 
ASA treatment group compared to the placebo + ASA group (1.4% versus 0.8%, respectively). There 
was no statistically significant difference in the rates of fatal bleeding (1.1% in the clopidogrel + ASA 
group and 0.7% in the placebo +ASA group) and haemorrhagic stroke (0.8% and 0.6%, respectively) 
between groups. 
 
Tabulated list of adverse reactions 
 
Adverse reactions that occurred either during clinical studies or that were spontaneously reported are 
presented in the table below. Their frequency is defined using the following conventions: common 
(≥1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100); rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000); very rare 
(<1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each system organ class, 
adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness. 
 

System Organ 
Class 

Common Uncommon Rare Very rare, not 
known* 

Blood and the 
lymphatic system 
disorders 

 Thrombocytopenia,
leucopenia, 
eosinophilia 

Neutropenia, 
including 
severe 
neutropenia 

Thrombotic 
thrombocytopenic 
purpura (TTP) (see 
section 4.4), aplastic 
anaemia, pancytopenia, 
agranulocytosis, severe 
thrombocytopenia, 
acquired haemophilia 
A, granulocytopenia, 
anaemia 

Cardiac disorders    Kounis syndrome 
(vasospastic allergic 
angina / allergic 
myocardial infarction) 
in the context of a 
hypersensitivity 
reaction due to 
clopidogrel* 



 

9 

System Organ 
Class 

Common Uncommon Rare Very rare, not 
known* 

Immune system 
disorders 

   Serum sickness, 
anaphylactoid 
reactions, 
cross-reactive drug 
hypersensitivity among 
thienopyridines (such 
as ticlopidine, 
prasugrel) (see section 
4.4)* 

Psychiatric 
disorders 

   Hallucinations, 
confusion 

Nervous system 
disorders 

 Intracranial 
bleeding (some 
cases were 
reported with fatal 
outcome), 
headache, 
paraesthesia, 
dizziness 

 Taste disturbances, 
ageusia 

Eye disorders  Eye bleeding 
(conjunctival, 
ocular, retinal) 
 

  

Ear and labyrinth 
disorders 

  Vertigo  

Vascular disorders Haematoma   Serious haemorrhage, 
haemorrhage of 
operative wound, 
vasculitis, hypotension 

Respiratory, 
thoracic and 
mediastinal 
disorders 

Epistaxis   Respiratory tract 
bleeding (haemoptysis, 
pulmonary 
haemorrhage), 
bronchospasm, 
interstitial 
pneumonitis, 
eosinophilic 
pneumonia 

Gastrointestinal 
disorders 

Gastrointestinal 
haemorrhage, 
diarrhoea, 
abdominal 
pain, dyspepsia 

Gastric ulcer and 
duodenal ulcer, 
gastritis, vomiting, 
nausea, 
constipation, 
flatulence 

Retroperitoneal 
haemorrhage 

Gastrointestinal and 
retroperitoneal 
haemorrhage with fatal 
outcome, pancreatitis, 
colitis (including 
ulcerative or 
lymphocytic colitis), 
stomatitis 

Hepato-biliary 
disorders 

   Acute liver failure, 
hepatitis, abnormal 
liver function test 



 

10 

System Organ 
Class 

Common Uncommon Rare Very rare, not 
known* 

Skin and 
subcutaneous tissue 
disorders 

Bruising Rash, pruritus, skin 
bleeding (purpura) 

 Bullous dermatitis 
(toxic epidermal 
necrolysis, Stevens 
Johnson Syndrome, 
erythema multiforme, 
acute generalised 
exanthematous 
pustulosis (AGEP)), 
angioedema, 
drug-induced 
hypersensitivity 
syndrome, drug rash 
with eosinophilia and 
systemic symptoms 
(DRESS), rash 
erythematous or 
exfoliative, urticaria, 
eczema, lichen planus  

Reproductive 
systems and breast 
disorders 

  Gynaecomastia  

Musculoskeletal, 
connective tissue 
and bone disorders 

   Musculo-skeletal 
bleeding 
(haemarthrosis), 
arthritis, arthralgia, 
myalgia 

Renal and urinary 
disorders 

 Haematuria  Glomerulonephritis, 
blood creatinine 
increased 

General disorders 
and administration 
site conditions 

Bleeding at 
puncture site 

  Fever  

Investigations  Bleeding time 
prolonged, 
neutrophil count 
decreased, platelet 
count decreased 

  

* Information related to clopidogrel with frequency “not known”. 
 
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions 
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It 
allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare 
professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system 
listed in Appendix V. 
 
4.9 Overdose 
 
Overdose following clopidogrel administration may lead to prolonged bleeding time and subsequent 
bleeding complications. Appropriate therapy should be considered if bleedings are observed.  
No antidote to the pharmacological activity of clopidogrel has been found. If prompt correction of 
prolonged bleeding time is required, platelet transfusion may reverse the effects of clopidogrel. 
 
 
5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES 
 



 

11 

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties 
 
Pharmacotherapeutic group: platelet aggregation inhibitors excl. heparin, ATC Code: B01AC-04.  
 
Mechanism of action 
 
Clopidogrel is a prodrug, one of whose metabolites is an inhibitor of platelet aggregation. Clopidogrel 
must be metabolised by CYP450 enzymes to produce the active metabolite that inhibits platelet 
aggregation. The active metabolite of clopidogrel selectively inhibits the binding of adenosine 
diphosphate (ADP) to its platelet P2Y12 receptor and the subsequent ADP-mediated activation of the 
glycoprotein GPIIb/IIIa complex, thereby inhibiting platelet aggregation. Due to the irreversible 
binding, platelets exposed are affected for the remainder of their lifespan (approximately 7-10 days) 
and recovery of normal platelet function occurs at a rate consistent with platelet turnover. Platelet 
aggregation induced by agonists other than ADP is also inhibited by blocking the amplification of 
platelet activation by released ADP. 
 
Because the active metabolite is formed by CYP450 enzymes, some of which are polymorphic or 
subject to inhibition by other medicinal products, not all patients will have adequate platelet inhibition. 
 
Pharmacodynamic effects 
 
Repeated doses of 75 mg per day produced substantial inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation 
from the first day; this increased progressively and reached steady state between Day 3 and Day 7. At 
steady state, the average inhibition level observed with a dose of 75 mg per day was between 40% and 
60%. Platelet aggregation and bleeding time gradually returned to baseline values, generally within 
5 days after treatment was discontinued. 
 
Clinical efficacy and safety 
 
The safety and efficacy of clopidogrel have been evaluated in 5 double-blind studies involving over 
88,000 patients: the CAPRIE study, a comparison of clopidogrel to ASA, and the CURE, CLARITY, 
COMMIT and ACTIVE-A studies comparing clopidogrel to placebo, both medicinal products given in 
combination with ASA and other standard therapy. 
 
Recent myocardial infarction (MI), recent stroke or established peripheral arterial disease 
 
The CAPRIE study included 19,185 patients with atherothrombosis as manifested by recent 
myocardial infarction (<35 days), recent ischaemic stroke (between 7 days and 6 months) or 
established peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Patients were randomised to clopidogrel 75 mg/day or 
ASA 325 mg/day, and were followed for 1 to 3 years. In the myocardial infarction subgroup, most of 
the patients received ASA for the first few days following the acute myocardial infarction. 
 
Clopidogrel significantly reduced the incidence of new ischaemic events (combined end point of 
myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke and vascular death) when compared to ASA. In the intention to 
treat analysis, 939 events were observed in the clopidogrel group and 1,020 events with ASA (relative 
risk reduction (RRR) 8.7%, [95% CI: 0.2 to 16.4]; p=0.045), which corresponds, for every 
1,000 patients treated for 2 years, to 10 [CI: 0 to 20] additional patients being prevented from 
experiencing a new ischaemic event. Analysis of total mortality as a secondary endpoint did not show 
any significant difference between clopidogrel (5.8%) and ASA (6.0%). 
 
In a subgroup analysis by qualifying condition (myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke, and PAD) the 
benefit appeared to be strongest (achieving statistical significance at p=0.003) in patients enrolled due 
to PAD (especially those who also had a history of myocardial infarction) (RRR = 23.7%; CI: 8.9 to 
36.2) and weaker (not significantly different from ASA) in stroke patients (RRR = 7.3%; CI: -5.7 to 
18.7 [p=0.258]). In patients who were enrolled in the trial on the sole basis of a recent myocardial 
infarction, clopidogrel was numerically inferior, but not statistically different from ASA (RRR = 



 

12 

-4.0%; CI: -22.5 to 11.7 [p=0.639]). In addition, a subgroup analysis by age suggested that the benefit 
of clopidogrel in patients over 75 years was less than that observed in patients 75 years. 
 
Since the CAPRIE trial was not powered to evaluate efficacy of individual subgroups, it is not clear 
whether the differences in relative risk reduction across qualifying conditions are real, or a result of 
chance. 
 
Acute coronary syndrome 
 
The CURE study included 12,562 patients with non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome 
(unstable angina or non-Q-wave myocardial infarction), and presenting within 24 hours of onset of the 
most recent episode of chest pain or symptoms consistent with ischaemia. Patients were required to 
have either ECG changes compatible with new ischaemia or elevated cardiac enzymes or troponin I or 
T to at least twice the upper limit of normal. Patients were randomised to clopidogrel (300 mg loading 
dose followed by 75 mg/day, N=6,259) or placebo (N=6,303), both given in combination with ASA 
(75-325 mg once daily) and other standard therapies. Patients were treated for up to one year. In 
CURE, 823 (6.6%) patients received concomitant GPIIb/IIIa receptor antagonist therapy. Heparins 
were administered in more than 90% of the patients and the relative rate of bleeding between 
clopidogrel and placebo was not significantly affected by the concomitant heparin therapy.  
 
The number of patients experiencing the primary endpoint [cardiovascular (CV) death, myocardial 
infarction (MI), or stroke] was 582 (9.3%) in the clopidogrel-treated group and 719 (11.4%) in the 
placebo-treated group, a 20% relative risk reduction (95% CI of 10%-28%; p=0.00009) for the 
clopidogrel-treated group (17% relative risk reduction when patients were treated conservatively, 29% 
when they underwent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) with or without stent 
and 10% when they underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)). New cardiovascular events 
(primary endpoint) were prevented, with relative risk reductions of 22% (CI: 8.6, 33.4), 32% (CI: 12.8, 
46.4), 4% (CI: -26.9, 26.7), 6% (CI: -33.5, 34.3) and 14% (CI: -31.6, 44.2), during the 0-1, 1-3, 3-6, 
6-9 and 9-12 month study intervals, respectively. Thus, beyond 3 months of treatment, the benefit 
observed in the clopidogrel + ASA group was not further increased, whereas the risk of haemorrhage 
persisted (see section 4.4).  
 
The use of clopidogrel in CURE was associated with a decrease in the need of thrombolytic therapy 
(RRR = 43.3%; CI: 24.3%, 57.5%) and GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors (RRR = 18.2%; CI: 6.5%, 28.3%). 

 
The number of patients experiencing the co-primary endpoint (CV death, MI, stroke or refractory 
ischaemia) was 1,035 (16.5%) in the clopidogrel-treated group and 1,187 (18.8%) in the 
placebo-treated group, a 14% relative risk reduction (95% CI of 6%-21%, p=0.0005) for the 
clopidogrel-treated group. This benefit was mostly driven by the statistically significant reduction in 
the incidence of MI [287 (4.6%) in the clopidogrel treated group and 363 (5.8%) in the placebo treated 
group]. There was no observed effect on the rate of rehospitalisation for unstable angina. 
 
The results obtained in populations with different characteristics (e.g. unstable angina or non-Q-wave 
MI, low to high risk levels, diabetes, need for revascularisation, age, gender, etc.) were consistent with 
the results of the primary analysis. In particular, in a post-hoc analysis in 2,172 patients (17% of the 
total CURE population) who underwent stent placement (Stent-CURE), the data showed that 
clopidogrel compared to placebo, demonstrated a significant RRR of 26.2% favouring clopidogrel for 
the co-primary endpoint (CV death, MI, stroke) and also a significant RRR of 23.9% for the second 
co-primary endpoint (CV death, MI, stroke or refractory ischaemia). Moreover, the safety profile of 
clopidogrel in this subgroup of patients did not raise any particular concern. Thus, the results from this 
subset are in line with the overall trial results.  
 
The benefits observed with clopidogrel were independent of other acute and long-term cardiovascular 
therapies (such as heparin/LMWH, GPIIb/IIIa antagonists, lipid lowering medicinal products, beta 
blockers, and ACE-inhibitors). The efficacy of clopidogrel was observed independently of the dose of 
ASA (75-325 mg once daily). 
 



 

13 

In patients with acute ST-segment elevation MI, safety and efficacy of clopidogrel have been 
evaluated in 2 randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind studies, CLARITY and COMMIT. 
 
The CLARITY trial included 3,491 patients presenting within 12 hours of the onset of a ST elevation 
MI and planned for thrombolytic therapy. Patients received clopidogrel (300 mg loading dose, 
followed by 75 mg/day, n=1,752) or placebo (n=1,739), both in combination with ASA (150 to 
325 mg as a loading dose, followed by 75 to 162 mg/day), a fibrinolytic agent and, when appropriate, 
heparin. The patients were followed for 30 days. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of the 
composite of an occluded infarct-related artery on the predischarge angiogram, or death or recurrent 
MI before coronary angiography. For patients who did not undergo angiography, the primary endpoint 
was death or recurrent myocardial infarction by Day 8 or by hospital discharge. The patient population 
included 19.7% women and 29.2% patients ≥ 65 years. A total of 99.7% of patients received 
fibrinolytics (fibrin specific: 68.7%, non-fibrin specific: 31.1%), 89.5% heparin, 78.7% beta blockers, 
54.7% ACE inhibitors and 63% statins. 
 
Fifteen percent (15.0%) of patients in the clopidogrel group and 21.7% in the placebo group reached 
the primary endpoint, representing an absolute reduction of 6.7% and a 36 % odds reduction in favor 
of clopidogrel (95% CI: 24, 47%; p < 0.001), mainly related to a reduction in occluded infarct-related 
arteries. This benefit was consistent across all prespecified subgroups including patients’ age and 
gender, infarct location, and type of fibrinolytic or heparin used. 
 
The 2x2 factorial design COMMIT trial included 45,852 patients presenting within 24 hours of the 
onset of the symptoms of suspected MI with supporting ECG abnormalities (i.e. ST elevation, ST 
depression or left bundle-branch block). Patients received clopidogrel (75 mg/day, n=22,961) or 
placebo (n=22,891), in combination with ASA (162 mg/day), for 28 days or until hospital discharge. 
The co-primary endpoints were death from any cause and the first occurrence of re-infarction, stroke 
or death. The population included 27.8% women, 58.4% patients ≥ 60 years (26% ≥ 70 years) and 
54.5% patients who received fibrinolytics. 
 
Clopidogrel significantly reduced the relative risk of death from any cause by 7% (p=0.029), and the 
relative risk of the combination of re-infarction, stroke or death by 9% (p=0.002), representing an 
absolute reduction of 0.5% and 0.9%, respectively. This benefit was consistent across age, gender and 
with or without fibrinolytics, and was observed as early as 24 hours. 
 
Atrial fibrillation 
 
The ACTIVE-W and ACTIVE-A studies, separate trials in the ACTIVE program, included patients 
with atrial fibrillation (AF) who had at least one risk factor for vascular events. Based on enrollment 
criteria, physicians enrolled patients in ACTIVE-W if they were candidates for vitamin K antagonist 
(VKA) therapy (such as warfarin). The ACTIVE-A study included patients who could not receive 
VKA therapy because they were unable or unwilling to receive the treatment. 
 
The ACTIVE-W study demonstrated that anticoagulant treatment with vitamin K antagonists was 
more effective than with clopidogrel and ASA. 
 
The ACTIVE-A study (N=7,554) was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 
study which compared clopidogrel 75 mg/day + ASA (N=3,772) to placebo + ASA (N=3,782). The 
recommended dose for ASA was 75 to 100 mg/day. Patients were treated for up to 5 years. 
 
Patients randomized in the ACTIVE program were those presenting with documented AF, i.e., either 
permanent AF or at least 2 episodes of intermittent AF in the past 6 months, and had at least one of the 
following risk factors: age 75 years or age 55 to 74 years and either diabetes mellitus requiring drug 
therapy, or documented previous MI or documented coronary artery disease; treated for systemic 
hypertension; prior stroke, transient ischaemic attack (TIA), or non-CNS systemic embolus; left 
ventricular dysfunction with left ventricular ejection fraction <45%; or documented peripheral 
vascular disease. The mean CHADS2 score was 2.0 (range 0-6). 
 



 

14 

The major exclusion criteria for patients were documented peptic ulcer disease within the previous 
6 months; prior intracerebral hemorrhage; significant thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 50 x 109/l); 
requirement for clopidogrel or oral anticoagulants (OAC); or intolerance to any of the two compounds. 
 
Seventy-three percent (73%) of patients enrolled into the ACTIVE-A study were unable to take VKA 
due to physician assessment, inability to comply with INR (international normalised ratio) monitoring, 
predisposition to falling or head trauma, or specific risk of bleeding; for 26% of the patients, the 
physician’s decision was based on the patient’s unwillingness to take VKA.  
 
The patient population included 41.8 % women. The mean age was 71 years, 41.6% of patients were 
≥75 years. A total of 23.0% of patients received anti-arrhythmics, 52.1% beta-blockers, 54.6% ACE 
inhibitors, and 25.4% statins. 
 
The number of patients who reached the primary endpoint (time to first occurrence of stroke, MI, 
non-CNS systemic embolism or vascular death) was 832 (22.1%) in the group treated with clopidogrel 
+ ASA and 924 (24.4%) in the placebo + ASA group (relative risk reduction of 11.1%; 95% CI of 
2.4% to 19.1%; p=0.013), primarily due to a large reduction in the incidence of strokes. Strokes 
occurred in 296 (7.8%) patients receiving clopidogrel + ASA and 408 (10.8%) patients receiving 
placebo + ASA (relative risk reduction, 28.4%; 95% CI, 16.8% to 38.3%; p=0.00001).  
 
Paediatric population 
In a dose escalation study of 86 neonates or infants up to 24 months of age at risk for thrombosis 
(PICOLO), clopidogrel was evaluated at consecutive doses of 0.01, 0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg in neonates and 
infants and 0.15 mg/kg only in neonates. The dose of 0.2 mg/kg achieved the mean percent inhibition 
of 49.3% (5 µM ADP-induced platelet aggregation) which was comparable to that of adults taking 
Plavix 75 mg/day. 
 
In a randomised, double-blind, parallel-group study (CLARINET), 906 paediatric patients (neonates 
and infants) with cyanotic congenital heart disease palliated with a systemic-to-pulmonary arterial 
shunt were randomised to receive clopidogrel 0.2 mg/kg (n=467) or placebo (n=439) along with 
concomitant background therapy up to the time of second stage surgery. The mean time between shunt 
palliation and first administration of study medicinal product was 20 days. Approximately 88% of 
patients received concomitant ASA (range of 1 to 23 mg/kg/day). There was no significant difference 
between groups in the primary composite endpoint of death, shunt thrombosis or cardiac-related 
intervention prior to 120 days of age following an event considered of thrombotic nature (89 [19.1%] 
for the clopidogrel group and 90 [20.5%] for the placebo group) (see section 4.2). Bleeding was the 
most frequently reported adverse reaction in both clopidogrel and placebo groups; however, there was 
no significant difference in the bleeding rate between groups. In the long-term safety follow-up of this 
study, 26 patients with the shunt still in place at one year of age received clopidogrel up to 18 months 
of age. No new safety concerns were noted during this long-term follow-up. 
 
The CLARINET and the PICOLO trials were conducted using a constituted solution of clopidogrel. In 
a relative bioavailability study in adults, the constituted solution of clopidogrel showed a similar extent 
and slightly higher rate of absorption of the main circulating (inactive) metabolite compared to the 
authorised tablet. 
 
5.2  Pharmacokinetic properties 
 
Absorption 
After single and repeated oral doses of 75 mg per day, clopidogrel is rapidly absorbed. Mean peak 
plasma levels of unchanged clopidogrel (approximately 2.2-2.5 ng/ml after a single 75 mg oral dose) 
occurred approximately 45 minutes after dosing. Absorption is at least 50%, based on urinary excretion 
of clopidogrel metabolites. 
 



 

15 

Distribution 
Clopidogrel and the main circulating (inactive) metabolite bind reversibly in vitro to human plasma 
proteins (98% and 94% respectively). The binding is non-saturable in vitro over a wide concentration 
range. 
 
Biotransformation 
Clopidogrel is extensively metabolised by the liver. In vitro and in vivo, clopidogrel is metabolised 
according to two main metabolic pathways: one mediated by esterases and leading to hydrolysis into 
its inactive carboxylic acid derivative (85% of circulating metabolites), and one mediated by multiple 
cytochromes P450. Clopidogrel is first metabolised to a 2-oxo-clopidogrel intermediate metabolite. 
Subsequent metabolism of the 2-oxo-clopidogrel intermediate metabolite results in formation of the 
active metabolite, a thiol derivative of clopidogrel. The active metabolite is formed mostly by 
CYP2C19 with contributions from several other CYP enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2B6 and 
CYP3A4. The active thiol metabolite which has been isolated in vitro, binds rapidly and irreversibly to 
platelet receptors, thus inhibiting platelet aggregation. 
 
The Cmax of the active metabolite is twice as high following a single 300-mg clopidogrel loading dose 
as it is after four days of 75-mg maintenance dose. Cmax occurs approximately 30 to 60 minutes after 
dosing.  
 
Elimination 
Following an oral dose of 14C-labelled clopidogrel in man, approximately 50% was excreted in the 
urine and approximately 46% in the faeces in the 120-hour interval after dosing. After a single oral 
dose of 75 mg, clopidogrel has a half-life of approximately 6 hours. The elimination half-life of the 
main circulating (inactive) metabolite was 8 hours after single and repeated administration. 
 
Pharmacogenetics 
CYP2C19 is involved in the formation of both the active metabolite and the 2-oxo-clopidogrel 
intermediate metabolite. Clopidogrel active metabolite pharmacokinetics and antiplatelet effects, as 
measured by ex vivo platelet aggregation assays, differ according to CYP2C19 genotype.  
 
The CYP2C19*1 allele corresponds to fully functional metabolism while the CYP2C19*2 and 
CYP2C19*3 alleles are nonfunctional. The CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*3 alleles account for the 
majority of reduced function alleles in Caucasian (85%) and Asian (99%) poor metabolisers. Other 
alleles associated with absent or reduced metabolism are less frequent and include CYP2C19*4, *5, 
*6, *7, and *8. A patient with poor metaboliser status will possess two loss-of-function alleles as 
defined above. Published frequencies for the poor CYP2C19 metaboliser  genotypes are  
approximately 2% for Caucasians, 4% for Blacks and 14% for Chinese. Tests are available to 
determine a patient’s CYP2C19 genotype.  
 
A crossover study in 40 healthy subjects, 10 each in the four CYP2C19 metaboliser groups (ultrarapid, 
extensive, intermediate and poor), evaluated pharmacokinetic and antiplatelet responses using 300 mg 
followed by 75 mg/day and 600 mg followed by 150 mg/day, each for a total of 5 days (steady state). 
No substantial differences in active metabolite exposure and mean inhibition of platelet aggregation 
(IPA) were observed between ultrarapid, extensive and intermediate metabolisers. In poor 
metabolisers, active metabolite exposure was decreased by 63-71% compared to extensive 
metabolisers. After the 300 mg/75 mg dose regimen, antiplatelet responses were decreased in the poor 
metabolisers with mean IPA (5 μM ADP) of 24% (24 hours) and 37% (Day 5) as compared to IPA of 
39% (24 hours) and 58% (Day 5) in the extensive metabolisers and 37% (24 hours) and 60% (Day 5) 
in the intermediate metabolisers. When poor metabolisers received the 600 mg/150 mg regimen, active 
metabolite exposure was greater than with the 300 mg/75 mg regimen. In addition, IPA was 32% 
(24 hours) and 61% (Day 5), which were greater than in the poor metabolisers receiving the 
300 mg/75 mg regimen, and were similar to the other CYP2C19 metaboliser groups receiving the 
300 mg/75 mg regimen. An appropriate dose regimen for this patient population has not been 
established in clinical outcome trials. 
 



 

16 

Consistent with the above results, in a meta-analysis including 6 studies of 335 clopidogrel-treated 
subjects at steady state, it was shown that active metabolite exposure was decreased by 28% for 
intermediate metabolisers, and 72% for poor metabolisers while platelet aggregation inhibition (5 μM 
ADP) was decreased with differences in IPA of 5.9% and 21.4%, respectively, when compared to 
extensive metabolisers. 
 
The influence of CYP2C19 genotype on clinical outcomes in patients treated with clopidogrel has not 
been evaluated in prospective, randomised, controlled trials. There have been a number of 
retrospective analyses, however, to evaluate this effect in patients treated with clopidogrel for whom 
there are genotyping results: CURE (n=2721), CHARISMA (n=2428), CLARITY-TIMI 28 (n=227), 
TRITON-TIMI 38 (n=1477), and ACTIVE-A (n=601), as well as a number of published cohort 
studies. 
 
In TRITON-TIMI 38 and 3 of the cohort studies (Collet, Sibbing, Giusti) the combined group of 
patients with either intermediate or poor metaboliser status had a higher rate of cardiovascular events 
(death, myocardial infarction, and stroke) or stent thrombosis compared to extensive metabolisers. 
 
In CHARISMA and one cohort study (Simon), an increased event rate was observed only in poor 
metabolisers when compared to extensive metabolisers. 
 
In CURE, CLARITY, ACTIVE-A and one of the cohort studies (Trenk), no increased event rate was 
observed based on metaboliser status. 
 
None of these analyses were adequately sized to detect differences in outcome in poor metabolisers. 
 
Special populations 
 
The pharmacokinetics of the active metabolite of clopidogrel is not known in these special populations. 
 
Renal impairment 
After repeated doses of 75 mg clopidogrel per day in subjects with severe renal disease (creatinine 
clearance from 5 to 15 ml/min), inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation was lower (25%) than 
that observed in healthy subjects, however, the prolongation of bleeding time was similar to that seen 
in healthy subjects receiving 75 mg of clopidogrel per day. In addition, clinical tolerance was good in 
all patients. 
 
Hepatic impairment 
After repeated doses of 75 mg clopidogrel per day for 10 days in patients with severe hepatic 
impairment, inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation was similar to that observed in healthy 
subjects. The mean bleeding time prolongation was also similar in the two groups. 
 
Race 
The prevalence of CYP2C19 alleles that result in intermediate and poor CYP2C19 metabolism differs 
according to race/ethnicity (see Pharmacogenetics). From literature, limited data in Asian populations 
are available to assess the clinical implication of genotyping of this CYP on clinical outcome events. 
 
5.3 Preclinical safety data 
 
During non-clinical studies in rat and baboon, the most frequently observed effects were liver changes. 
These occurred at doses representing at least 25 times the exposure seen in humans receiving the 
clinical dose of 75 mg/day and were a consequence of an effect on hepatic metabolising enzymes. No 
effect on hepatic metabolising enzymes was observed in humans receiving clopidogrel at the 
therapeutic dose. 
 
At very high doses, a poor gastric tolerability (gastritis, gastric erosions and/or vomiting) of 
clopidogrel was also reported in rat and baboon. 
 



 

17 

There was no evidence of carcinogenic effect when clopidogrel was administered for 78 weeks to mice 
and 104 weeks to rats when given at doses up to 77 mg/kg per day (representing at least 25 times the 
exposure seen in humans receiving the clinical dose of 75 mg/day). 
 
Clopidogrel has been tested in a range of in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity studies, and showed no 
genotoxic activity. 
 
Clopidogrel was found to have no effect on the fertility of male and female rats and was not 
teratogenic in either rats or rabbits. When given to lactating rats, clopidogrel caused a slight delay in 
the development of the offspring. Specific pharmacokinetic studies performed with radiolabelled 
clopidogrel have shown that the parent compound or its metabolites are excreted in the milk. 
Consequently, a direct effect (slight toxicity), or an indirect effect (low palatability) cannot be 
excluded.  
 
 
6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS 
 
6.1 List of excipients 
 
Core: 

Mannitol (E421) 
Macrogol 6000 
Microcrystalline cellulose 
Hydrogenated castor oil 
Low substituted hydroxypropylcellulose 

 
Coating: 

Hypromellose (E464) 
Lactose monohydrate 
Triacetin (E1518) 
Titanium dioxide (E171) 
Red iron oxide (E172) 
 

Polishing agent: 
Carnauba wax 

 
6.2 Incompatibilities 
 
Not applicable 
 
6.3 Shelf-life 
 
3 years 
 
6.4 Special precautions for storage 
 
In PVC/PVDC/aluminium blisters, store below 30°C. 
In all aluminium blisters, this medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions. 
 
6.5 Nature and content of container 
 
Plavix 75 mg film-coated tablets 
PVC/PVDC/Aluminium blisters or all aluminium blisters in cardboard cartons containing 7, 14, 28, 30, 
84, 90 and 100 film-coated tablets. 
 
PVC/PVDC/Aluminium or all aluminium perforated unit-dose blister packs in cardboard cartons 
containing 50x1 film-coated tablets. 



 

18 

Plavix 300 mg film-coated tablets 
Aluminium perforated unit-dose blisters in cardboard cartons containing 4x1, 10x1, 30x1 and 100x1 
film-coated tablets. 
 
Not all pack sizes may be marketed. 
 
6.6 Special precautions for disposal 
 
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local 
requirements. 
 
 
7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Sanofi Clir SNC  
54, rue La Boétie  
F-75008 Paris 
France 
 
 
8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBERS 
 
Plavix 75 mg film-coated tablets 
EU/1/98/069/001a - Cartons of 28 film-coated tablets in PVC/PVDC/Alu blisters 
EU/1/98/069/001b - Cartons of 28 film-coated tablets in all aluminium blisters 
EU/1/98/069/002a - Cartons of 50x1 film-coated tablets in PVC/PVDC/Alu blisters 
EU/1/98/069/002b - Cartons of 50x1 film-coated tablets in all aluminium blisters 
EU/1/98/069/003a - Cartons of 84 film-coated tablets in PVC/PVDC/Alu blisters 
EU/1/98/069/003b - Cartons of 84 film-coated tablets in all aluminium blisters 
EU/1/98/069/004a - Cartons of 100 film-coated tablets in PVC/PVDC/Alu blisters 
EU/1/98/069/004b - Cartons of 100 film-coated tablets in all aluminium blisters 
EU/1/98/069/005a - Cartons of 30 film-coated tablets in PVC/PVDC/Alu blisters 
EU/1/98/069/005b - Cartons of 30 film-coated tablets in all aluminium blisters 
EU/1/98/069/006a - Cartons of 90 film-coated tablets in PVC/PVDC/Alu blisters 
EU/1/98/069/006b - Cartons of 90 film-coated tablets in all aluminium blisters 
EU/1/98/069/007a - Cartons of 14 film-coated tablets in PVC/PVDC/Alu blisters 
EU/1/98/069/007b - Cartons of 14 film-coated tablets in all aluminium blisters 
EU/1/98/069/011a - Cartons of 7 film-coated tablets in PVC/PVDC/Alu blisters 
EU/1/98/069/011b - Cartons of 7 film-coated tablets in all aluminium blisters 
 
Plavix 300 mg film-coated tablets 
EU/1/98/069/008 - Cartons of 4x1 film-coated tablets in all aluminium perforated unit-dose blisters 
EU/1/98/069/009 - Cartons of 30x1 film-coated tablets in all aluminium perforated unit-dose blisters 
EU/1/98/069/010 - Cartons of 100x1 film-coated tablets in all aluminium perforated unit-dose blisters 
EU/1/98/069/012 - Cartons of 10x1 film-coated tablets in all aluminium perforated unit-dose blisters 
 
9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION 
 
Date of first authorisation: 15 July 1998  
Date of latest renewal: 15 July 2008 
 
 
10. DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT  
 
<DD month YYYY> 
 



 

19 

Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines 
Agency: http://www.ema.europa.eu/   



 

20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

ANNEX II 
 
A. MANUFACTURERS RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH 

RELEASE 
 
B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY 

AND USE 
 

C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE 
MARKETING AUTHORISATION 

 
D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO 

THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL 
PRODUCT 

 
 



 

21 

A. MANUFACTURERS RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE 
 
Name and address of the manufacturers responsible for batch release 
 
- Plavix 75 mg film-coated tablets 
 
Sanofi Winthrop Industrie 
1, rue de la Vierge 
Ambarès & Lagrave 
F-33565 Carbon Blanc cedex 
France 
 
Delpharm Dijon 
6, Boulevard de l’Europe 
F-21800 Quétigny 
France 
 
Sanofi Synthelabo Limited 
Edgefield Avenue 
Fawdon 
Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 3TT – UK 
United Kingdom 
 
Sanofi S.p.A. 
Strada Statale 17, Km 22 
67019 Scoppito (AQ) – Italy 
 
- Plavix 300 mg film-coated tablets 
 
Sanofi Winthrop Industrie 
1, rue de la Vierge 
Ambarès & Lagrave 
F-33565 Carbon Blanc cedex 
France 
 
The printed package leaflet of the medicinal product must state the name and address of the 
manufacturer responsible for the release of the concerned batch. 
 
B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE 
 
Medicinal product subject to medical prescription. 
 
C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING 

AUTHORISATION 
 
 Periodic Safety Update Reports  
 
The marketing authorisation holder shall submit periodic safety update reports for this product in 
accordance with the requirements set out in the list of Union reference dates (EURD list) provided  for 
under Article 107c(7) of Directive 2001/83/EC and published on the European medicines web-portal. 
 
 
D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND 

EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
 Risk Management Plan (RMP)  
 



 

22 

Not applicable. 
 



 

23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

ANNEX III 
 

LABELLING AND PACKAGE LEAFLET 



 

24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A. LABELLING 



 

25 

 
PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING  
 
OUTER CARTON  

 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Plavix 75 mg film-coated tablets 
clopidogrel 
 
 
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 
 
Each tablet contains 75 mg of clopidogrel (as hydrogen sulphate). 
 
 
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 
 
It also contains: hydrogenated castor oil and lactose. See leaflet for further information. 
 
 
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 
 
28 film-coated tablets 
30 film-coated tablets 
50x1 film-coated tablets 
84 film-coated tablets 
90 film-coated tablets 
100 film-coated tablets 
14 film-coated tablets 
7 film-coated tablets 
 
 
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
Read the package leaflet before use. 
Oral use 
 
 
6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 

OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN 
 
Keep out of the sight and reach of children. 
 
 
7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY 
 
 
8. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP {MM/YYYY} 



 

26 

 
9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 
 
Store below 30°C (for PVC/PVDC/aluminium blisters) 
Or No special storage conditions (for all aluminium blisters) 
 
 
10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 

OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 
APPROPRIATE 

 
 
11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Sanofi Clir SNC  
54, rue La Boétie – F-75008 Paris 
France 
 
 
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 
 
EU/1/98/069/001a  28 tablets 
EU/1/98/069/001b  28 tablets 
EU/1/98/069/002a  50x1 tablets 
EU/1/98/069/002b  50x1 tablets 
EU/1/98/069/003a  84 tablets 
EU/1/98/069/003b  84 tablets 
EU/1/98/069/004a  100 tablets 
EU/1/98/069/004b  100 tablets 
EU/1/98/069/005a  30 tablets 
EU/1/98/069/005b  30 tablets 
EU/1/98/069/006a  90 tablets 
EU/1/98/069/006b  90 tablets 
EU/1/98/069/007a  14 tablets 
EU/1/98/069/007b  14 tablets 
EU/1/98/069/011a  7 tablets 
EU/1/98/069/011b  7 tablets 
 
 
13. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Batch: 
 
 
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 
 
Medicinal product subject to medical prescription. 
 
 
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 
 
 
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 
 
Plavix 75 mg 
 



 

27 

 
17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE 
 
 2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included. 
 
 
18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 
 
PC:  
SN:  
NN:  
 



 

28 

 
 PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON BLISTERS 
(BLISTER / 7, 14, 28 or 84 tablets) 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Plavix 75 mg film-coated tablets 
clopidogrel 
 
 
2. NAME OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Sanofi Clir SNC 
 
3. EXPIRY DATE 
  
EXP {MM/YYYY} 
 
 
4. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Batch: 
 
 
5. OTHER 
 
Calendar days 
Mon 
Tue 
Wed 
Thu 
Fri 
Sat 
Sun 
 
Week 1 
Week 2 (for boxes of 14, 28 and 84 tablets) 
Week 3 (for boxes of 28 and 84 tablets) 
Week 4 (for boxes of 28 and 84 tablets) 
 



 

29 

 
 MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON BLISTERS OR STRIPS  
 
BLISTER / 30, 50x1, 90 or 100 tablets 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Plavix 75 mg film-coated tablets 
clopidogrel 
 
 
2. NAME OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Sanofi Clir SNC 
 
3. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP {MM/YYYY} 
 
 
4. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Batch: 
 
 
5. OTHER 
 



 

30 

PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING  
 
OUTER CARTON 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Plavix 300 mg film-coated tablets 
clopidogrel 
 
 
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 
 
Each tablet contains 300 mg of clopidogrel (as hydrogen sulphate). 
 
 
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 
 
It also contains: hydrogenated castor oil and lactose. See leaflet for further information. 
 
 
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 
 
4x1 film-coated tablets 
30x1 film-coated tablets 
100x1 film-coated tablets 
10x1 film-coated tablets 
 
 
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
Read the package leaflet before use. 
Oral use 
 
 
6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 

OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN 
 
Keep out of the sight and reach of children. 
 
 
7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY 
 
 
8. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 
 
 
 



 

31 

10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 
OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 
APPROPRIATE 

 
 
11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Sanofi Clir SNC 
54, rue La Boétie  
F-75008 Paris - France 
 
 
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)  
 
EU/1/98/069/008     4x1 film-coated tablets 
EU/1/98/069/009   30x1 film-coated tablets 
EU/1/98/069/010 100x1 film-coated tablets 
EU/1/98/069/012   10x1 film-coated tablets 
 
 
13. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Batch: 
 
 
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 
 
Medicinal product subject to medical prescription. 
 
 
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 
 
 
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 
 
Plavix 300 mg 
 
 
17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE 
 
 2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included. 
 
 
18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 
 
PC:  
SN:  
NN:  
 
 



 

32 

 
MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON BLISTERS OR STRIPS 
 
BLISTER 4x1, 10x1, 30x1 or 100x1 tablets 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Plavix 300 mg film-coated tablets 
clopidogrel 
 
 
2. NAME OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Sanofi Clir SNC 
 
3. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
4. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Batch: 
 
 
5. OTHER 
 



 

33 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

B. PACKAGE LEAFLET 



 

34 

Package leaflet: Information for the user 
 

Plavix 75 mg film-coated tablets  
clopidogrel 

 
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because it contains 
important information for you. 
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again. 
- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or your pharmacist. 
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, 

even if their signs of illness are the same as yours. 
- If you have any side effects, including any side effects not listed in this leaflet, talk to your 

doctor or pharmacist. See section 4. 
 
What is in this leaflet 
1. What Plavix is and what it is used for 
2. What you need to know before you take Plavix 
3. How to take Plavix 
4. Possible side effects 
5 How to store Plavix 
6. Contents of the pack and other information 
 
 
1.  What Plavix is and what it is used for 
 
Plavix contains clopidogrel and belongs to a group of medicines called antiplatelet medicinal products. 
Platelets are very small structures in the blood which clump together during blood clotting. By 
preventing this clumping, antiplatelet medicinal products reduce the chances of blood clots forming (a 
process called thrombosis). 
 
Plavix is taken by adults to prevent blood clots (thrombi) forming in hardened blood vessels (arteries), 
a process known as atherothrombosis, which can lead to atherothrombotic events (such as stroke, heart 
attack, or death).  
 
You have been prescribed Plavix to help prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of these severe events 
because: 
- You have a condition of hardening of arteries (also known as atherosclerosis), and 
- You have previously experienced a heart attack, stroke or have a condition known as peripheral 

arterial disease, or 
- You have experienced a severe type of chest pain known as ‘unstable angina’ or ‘myocardial 

infarction’ (heart attack). For the treatment of this condition your doctor may have placed a stent 
in the blocked or narrowed artery to restore effective blood flow. You should also be given 
acetylsalicylic acid (a substance present in many medicines used to relieve pain and lower fever 
as well as to prevent blood clotting) by your doctor. 

- You have an irregular heartbeat, a condition called ‘atrial fibrillation’, and you cannot take 
medicines known as ‘oral anticoagulants’ (vitamin K antagonists) which prevent new clots from 
forming and prevent existing clots from growing. You should have been told that ‘oral 
anticoagulants’ are more effective than acetylsalicylic acid or the combined use of Plavix and 
acetylsalicylic acid for this condition. Your doctor should have prescribed Plavix plus 
acetylsalicylic acid if you cannot take ‘oral anticoagulants’ and you do not have a risk of major 
bleeding. 

 
 
2.  What you need to know before you take Plavix 
 
Do not take Plavix 



 

35 

 If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to clopidogrel or any of the other ingredients of this medicine 
(listed in section 6). 

 If you have a medical condition that is currently causing bleeding such as a stomach ulcer or 
bleeding within the brain. 

 If you suffer from severe liver disease. 
 
If you think any of these apply to you, or if you are in any doubt at all, consult your doctor before 
taking Plavix.  
 
Warnings and precautions 
If any of the situations mentioned below apply to you, you should tell your doctor before taking 
Plavix: 
 if you have a risk of bleeding such as  

- a medical condition that puts you at risk of internal bleeding (such as a stomach ulcer). 
- a blood disorder that makes you prone to internal bleeding (bleeding inside any tissues, organs 

or joints of your body). 
- a recent serious injury. 
- a recent surgery (including dental). 
- a planned surgery (including dental) in the next seven days. 

 if you have had a clot in an artery of your brain (ischaemic stroke) which occurred within the 
last seven days.  

 if you have kidney or liver disease. 
 if you have had an allergy or reaction to any medicine used to treat your disease. 
 
While you are taking Plavix: 
 You should tell your doctor if a surgery (including dental) is planned. 
 You should also tell your doctor immediately if you develop a medical condition (also known as 

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura or TTP) that includes fever and bruising under the skin 
that may appear as red pinpoint dots, with or without unexplained extreme tiredness, confusion, 
yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) (see section 4 ‘Possible side effects’). 

 If you cut or injure yourself, it may take longer than usual for bleeding to stop. This is linked to 
the way your medicine works as it prevents the ability of blood clots to form. For minor cuts and 
injuries e.g., cutting yourself, shaving, this is usually of no concern. However, if you are 
concerned by your bleeding, you should contact your doctor straightaway (see section 4 
‘Possible side effects’). 

 Your doctor may order blood tests. 
 
Children and adolescents 
Do not give this medicine to children because it does not work. 
 
Other medicines and Plavix  
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other 
medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. 
Some other medicines may influence the use of Plavix or vice versa.  
 
You should specifically tell your doctor if you take 
- medicines that may increase your risk of bleeding such as: 

o oral anticoagulants, medicines used to reduce blood clotting, 
o a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine, usually used to treat painful and/or 

inflammatory conditions of muscle or joints, 
o heparin or any other injectable medicine used to reduce blood clotting, 
o ticlopidine, other antiplatelet agent, 
o a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (including but not restricted to fluoxetine or 

fluvoxamine), medicines usually used to treat depression, 
- omeprazole or esomeprazole, medicines to treat upset stomach, 
- fluconazole or voriconazole, medicines to treat fungal infections, 



 

36 

- efavirenz, a medicine to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infections, 
- carbamazepine, a medicine to treat some forms of epilepsy, 
- moclobemide, medicine to treat depression, 
- repaglinide, medicine to treat diabetes, 
- paclitaxel, medicine to treat cancer. 
 
If you have experienced severe chest pain (unstable angina or heart attack), you may be prescribed 
Plavix in combination with acetylsalicylic acid, a substance present in many medicines used to relieve 
pain and lower fever. An occasional use of acetylsalicylic acid (no more than 1,000 mg in any 24 hour 
period) should generally not cause a problem, but prolonged use in other circumstances should be 
discussed with your doctor. 
 
Plavix with food and drink 
Plavix may be taken with or without food. 
 
Pregnancy and breast-feeding 
It is preferable not to take this product during pregnancy. 
 
If you are pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant, you should tell your doctor or your pharmacist 
before taking Plavix. If you become pregnant while taking Plavix, consult your doctor immediately as 
it is recommended not to take clopidogrel while you are pregnant.  
 
You should not breast-feed while taking this medicine. 
If you are breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine. 
 
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine. 
 
Driving and using machines 
Plavix is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or to use machines. 
 
Plavix contains lactose 
If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars (e.g. lactose), contact 
your doctor before taking this medicine. 
 
Plavix contains hydrogenated castor oil  
This may cause stomach upset or diarrhoea. 
 
 
3.  How to take Plavix  
 
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor 
or pharmacist if you are not sure. 
 
The recommended dose, including for patients with a condition called ‘atrial fibrillation’ (an irregular 
heartbeat), is one 75 mg tablet of Plavix per day to be taken orally with or without food, and at the 
same time each day. 
 
If you have experienced severe chest pain (unstable angina or heart attack), your doctor may give you 
300 mg of Plavix (1 tablet of 300 mg or 4 tablets of 75 mg) once at the start of treatment. Then, the 
recommended dose is one 75-mg tablet of Plavix per day as described above. 
 
You should take Plavix for as long as your doctor continues to prescribe it.  
 
If you take more Plavix than you should 
Contact your doctor or the nearest hospital emergency department because of the increased risk of 
bleeding. 
 



 

37 

If you forget to take Plavix 
 
If you forget to take a dose of Plavix, but remember within 12 hours of your usual time, take your 
tablet straightaway and then take your next tablet at the usual time.  
 
If you forget for more than 12 hours, simply take the next single dose at the usual time. Do not take a 
double dose to make up for a forgotten tablet.  
 
For the 7, 14, 28 and 84 tablets pack sizes, you can check the day on which you last took a tablet of 
Plavix by referring to the calendar printed on the blister. 
 
If you stop taking Plavix 
 
Do not stop the treatment unless your doctor tells you so. Contact your doctor or pharmacist before 
stopping. 
 
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 
 
 
4.  Possible side effects 
 
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.  
 
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience: 

- fever, signs of infection or extreme tiredness. These may be due to rare decrease of some 
blood cells. 

- signs of liver problems such as yellowing of the skin and/or the eyes (jaundice), whether or 
not associated with bleeding which appears under the skin as red pinpoint dots and/or 
confusion (see section 2 ‘Warnings and precautions’). 

- swelling in the mouth or skin disorders such as rashes and itching, blisters of the skin. These 
may be the signs of an allergic reaction. 

 
The most common side effect reported with Plavix is bleeding. Bleeding may occur as bleeding in 
the stomach or bowels, bruising, haematoma (unusual bleeding or bruising under the skin), nose bleed, 
blood in the urine. In a small number of cases, bleeding in the eye, inside the head, the lung or the 
joints has also been reported. 
 
If you experience prolonged bleeding when taking Plavix 
If you cut or injure yourself, it may take longer than usual for bleeding to stop. This is linked to the 
way your medicine works as it prevents the ability of blood clots to form. For minor cuts and injuries 
e.g., cutting yourself, shaving, this is usually of no concern. However, if you are concerned by your 
bleeding, you should contact your doctor straightaway (see section 2 ‘Warnings and precautions’). 
 
Other side effects include: 
Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):   
Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, indigestion or heartburn. 
 
Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):   
Headache, stomach ulcer, vomiting, nausea, constipation, excessive gas in stomach or intestines, 
rashes, itching, dizziness, sensation of tingling and numbness. 
 
Rare side effect (may affect up to 1 in 1000 people):   
Vertigo, enlarged breasts in males. 
 
Very rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people):   
Jaundice; severe abdominal pain with or without back pain; fever, breathing difficulties sometimes 
associated with cough; generalised allergic reactions (for example, overall sensation of heat with 



 

38 

sudden general discomfort until fainting); swelling in the mouth; blisters of the skin; skin allergy; sore 
mouth (stomatitis); decrease in blood pressure; confusion; hallucinations; joint pain; muscular pain; 
changes in taste or loss of taste of food. 
 
Side effects with frequency not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data): 
Hypersensitivity reactions with chest or abdominal pain. 
 
In addition, your doctor may identify changes in your blood or urine test results. 
 
Reporting of side effects 
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects 
not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system 
listed in Appendix V. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of 
this medicine. 
 
 
5.  How to store Plavix 
 
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.  
 
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and on the blister, after 
EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. 
 
Refer to the storage conditions on the carton. 
If Plavix is supplied in PVC/PVDC/aluminium blisters, store below 30°C. 
If Plavix is supplied in all aluminium blisters, it does not require any special storage conditions. 
 
Do not use this medicine if you notice any visible sign of deterioration. 
 
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to 
throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help to protect the environment. 
 
 
6  Contents of the pack and other information 
 
What Plavix contains 
The active substance is clopidogrel. Each tablet contains 75 mg of clopidogrel (as hydrogen sulphate). 
  
The other ingredients are (see section 2 ‘Plavix contains lactose’ and ‘Plavix contains hydrogenated 
castor oil’): 

- Tablet core: mannitol (E421), hydrogenated castor oil, microcrystalline cellulose, 
macrogol 6000 and low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose, 

- Tablet coating:  lactose monohydrate (milk sugar), hypromellose (E464), triacetin 
(E1518), red iron oxide (E172) and titanium dioxide (E171),  

- Polishing agent: carnauba wax. 
 
What Plavix looks like and contents of the pack 
 
Plavix 75-mg film-coated tablets are round, biconvex, pink, engraved on one side with the number 
‘75’ and on the other side with the number ‘1171’. Plavix is supplied in cardboard cartons containing:  

- 7, 14, 28, 30, 84, 90 and 100 tablets in PVC/PVDC/Aluminium blisters or in all 
aluminium blisters 

- 50x1 tablets in PVC/PVDC/Aluminium blisters or in all aluminium perforated unit-dose 
blisters.  

Not all pack sizes may be marketed. 



 

39 

 
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturers 
 
Marketing Authorisation Holder: Sanofi Clir SNC 
54, rue La Boétie - F-75008 Paris - France 
 
Manufacturers: 
Sanofi Winthrop Industrie 
1, rue de la Vierge, Ambarès & Lagrave, F-33565 Carbon Blanc cedex, France 
or 
Sanofi-Synthelabo Limited, 
Edgefield Avenue, Fawdon  
Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear NE3 3TT - UK, United Kingdom  
or 
Delpharm Dijon 
6, boulevard de l'Europe, F-21800 Quétigny, France 
or 
Sanofi S.p.A. 
Strada Statale 17, Km 22 
67019 Scoppito (AQ) – Italy 
 
For any information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the Marketing 
Authorisation Holder:  
 
België/Belgique/Belgien 
Sanofi Belgium 
Tél/Tel: +32 (0)2 710 54 00 
 

Lietuva 
UAB «SANOFI-AVENTIS LIETUVA» 
Tel: +370 5 2755224 
 

България 
SANOFI BULGARIA EOOD 
Тел: +359 (0)2 970 53 00 
 

Luxembourg/Luxemburg 
Sanofi Belgium  
Tél/Tel: +32 (0)2 710 54 00 (Belgique/Belgien) 
 

Česká republika 
sanofi-aventis, s.r.o. 
Tel: +420 233 086 111 
 

Magyarország 
SANOFI-AVENTIS Zrt. 
Tel.: +36 1 505 0050 
 

Danmark 
sanofi-aventis Denmark A/S 
Tlf: +45 45 16 70 00 
 

Malta 
Sanofi Malta Ltd. 
Tel: +356 21493022 
 

Deutschland 
Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH 
Tel.: 0800 52 52 010 
Tel. aus dem Ausland: +49 (0)180 2 22201069 
305 21 131 
 

Nederland 
sanofi-aventis Netherlands B.V. 
Tel: +31 (0)182 557 755 
 

Eesti 
sanofi-aventis Estonia OÜ 
Tel: +372 627 3488 
 

Norge 
sanofi-aventis Norge AS 
Tlf: +47 67 10 71 00 
 

Ελλάδα 
sanofi-aventis AEBE 
Τηλ: +30 210 900 16 00 
 

Österreich 
sanofi-aventis GmbH 
Tel: +43 1 80 185 – 0 
 



 

40 

España 
sanofi-aventis, S.A. 
Tel: +34 93 485 94 00 
 

Polska 
sanofi-aventis Sp. z o.o. 
Tel: +48 22 280 00 00 
 

France 
sanofi-aventis France 
Tél: 0 800 222 555 
Appel depuis l’étranger: +33 1 57 63 23 23 
 

Portugal 
Sanofi - Produtos Farmacêuticos, Lda 
Tel: +351 21 35 89 400 
 

Hrvatska 
sanofi-aventis Croatia d.o.o. 
Tel: +385 1 600 34 00 

România 
Sanofi Romania SRL 
Tel: +40 (0) 21 317 31 36 
 

Ireland 
sanofi-aventis Ireland Ltd. T/A SANOFI 
Tel: +353 (0) 1 403 56 00 
 

Slovenija 
sanofi-aventis d.o.o. 
Tel: +386 1 560 48 00 
 

Ísland 
Vistor hf. 
Sími: +354 535 7000 
 

Slovenská republika 
sanofi-aventis Pharma Slovakia s.r.o. 
Tel: +421 2 33 100 100 
 

Italia 
Sanofi S.p.A. 
Tel: 800.536 389 
 

Suomi/Finland 
Sanofi Oy 
Puh/Tel: +358 (0) 201 200 300 
 

Κύπρος 
sanofi-aventis Cyprus Ltd. 
Τηλ: +357 22 871600 
 

Sverige 
Sanofi AB 
Tel: +46 (0)8 634 50 00 
 

Latvija 
sanofi-aventis Latvia SIA 
Tel: +371 67 33 24 51 
 

United Kingdom 
Sanofi 
Tel: +44 (0) 845 372 7101 
 

 
This leaflet was last revised in <Month YYYY>. 
 
Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency website: 
http://www.ema.europa.eu/  



 

41 

 
Package leaflet: Information for the user 

 
Plavix 300-mg film-coated tablets  

clopidogrel 
 
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because it contains 
important information for you. 
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again. 
- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or your pharmacist. 
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, 

even if their signs of illness are the same as yours. 
- If you have any side effects, including any side effects not listed in this leaflet, talk to your 

doctor or pharmacist. See section 4. 
 
What is in this leaflet 
1. What Plavix is and what it is used for 
2. What you need to know before you take Plavix 
3. How to take Plavix 
4. Possible side effects 
5 How to store Plavix 
6. Contents of the pack and other information 
 
 
1.  What Plavix is and what it is used for 
 
Plavix contains clopidogrel and belongs to a group of medicines called antiplatelet medicinal products. 
Platelets are very small structures in the blood which clump together during blood clotting. By 
preventing this clumping, antiplatelet medicinal products reduce the chances of blood clots forming (a 
process called thrombosis). 
 
Plavix is taken by adults to prevent blood clots (thrombi) forming in hardened blood vessels (arteries), 
a process known as atherothrombosis, which can lead to atherothrombotic events (such as stroke, heart 
attack, or death).  
 
You have been prescribed Plavix to help prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of these severe events 
because: 
- You have a condition of hardening of arteries (also known as atherosclerosis), and 
- You have previously experienced a heart attack, stroke or have a condition known as peripheral 

arterial disease, or 
- You have experienced a severe type of chest pain known as ‘unstable angina’ or ‘myocardial 

infarction’ (heart attack). For the treatment of this condition your doctor may have placed a stent 
in the blocked or narrowed artery to restore effective blood flow. You should also be given 
acetylsalicylic acid (a substance present in many medicines used to relieve pain and lower fever 
as well as to prevent blood clotting) by your doctor. 

- You have an irregular heartbeat, a condition called ‘atrial fibrillation’, and you cannot take 
medicines known as ‘oral anticoagulants’ (vitamin K antagonists) which prevent new clots from 
forming and prevent existing clots from growing. You should have been told that ‘oral 
anticoagulants’ are more effective than acetylsalicylic acid or the combined use of Plavix and 
acetylsalicylic acid for this condition. Your doctor should have prescribed Plavix plus 
acetylsalicylic acid if you cannot take ‘oral anticoagulants’ and you do not have a risk of major 
bleeding. 

 
 
2.  What you need to know before you take Plavix 
 
Do not take Plavix: 



 

42 

 If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to clopidogrel or any of the other ingredients of this medicine 
(listed in section 6). 

 If you have a medical condition that is currently causing bleeding such as a stomach ulcer or 
bleeding within the brain. 

 If you suffer from severe liver disease. 
 
If you think any of these apply to you, or if you are in any doubt at all, consult your doctor before 
taking Plavix.  
 
Warnings and precautions 
If any of the situations mentioned below apply to you, you should tell your doctor before taking 
Plavix: 
 if you have a risk of bleeding such as  

- a medical condition that puts you at risk of internal bleeding (such as a stomach ulcer). 
- a blood disorder that makes you prone to internal bleeding (bleeding inside any tissues, organs 

or joints of your body). 
- a recent serious injury. 
- a recent surgery (including dental). 
- a planned surgery (including dental) in the next seven days. 

 if you have had a clot in an artery of your brain (ischaemic stroke) which occurred within the 
last seven days.  

 if you have kidney or liver disease. 
 if you have had an allergy or reaction to any medicine used to treat your disease.  
 
While you are taking Plavix: 
 You should tell your doctor if a surgery (including dental) is planned. 
 You should also tell your doctor immediately if you develop a medical condition (also known as 

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura or TTP) that includes fever and bruising under the skin 
that may appear as red pinpoint dots, with or without unexplained extreme tiredness, confusion, 
yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) (see section 4 ‘Possible side effects’). 

 If you cut or injure yourself, it may take longer than usual for bleeding to stop. This is linked to 
the way your medicine works as it prevents the ability of blood clots to form. For minor cuts and 
injuries e.g., cutting yourself, shaving, this is usually of no concern. However, if you are 
concerned by your bleeding, you should contact your doctor straightaway (see section 4 
‘Possible side effects’). 

 Your doctor may order blood tests. 
 
Children and adolescents 
Do not give this medicine to children because it does not work. 
Other medicines and Plavix  
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other 
medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. 
Some other medicines may influence the use of Plavix or vice versa.  
 
You should specifically tell your doctor if you take 
- medicines that may increase your risk of bleeding such as: 

o oral anticoagulants, medicines used to reduce blood clotting, 
o a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine, usually used to treat painful and/or 

inflammatory conditions of muscle or joints, 
o heparin or any other injectable medicine used to reduce blood clotting, 
o ticlopidine, other antiplatelet agent, 
o a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (including but not restricted to fluoxetine or 

fluvoxamine), medicines usually used to treat depression, 
- omeprazole or esomeprazole, medicines to treat upset stomach, 
- fluconazole or voriconazole, medicines to treat fungal infections, 
- efavirenz, a medicine to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infections, 



 

43 

- carbamazepine, a medicine to treat some forms of epilepsy, 
- moclobemide, medicine to treat depression, 
- repaglinide, medicine to treat diabetes, 
- paclitaxel, medicine to treat cancer. 
 
If you have experienced severe chest pain (unstable angina or heart attack), you may be prescribed 
Plavix in combination with acetylsalicylic acid, a substance present in many medicines used to relieve 
pain and lower fever. An occasional use of acetylsalicylic acid (no more than 1,000 mg in any 24 hour 
period) should generally not cause a problem, but prolonged use in other circumstances should be 
discussed with your doctor. 
 
Plavix with food and drink 
Plavix may be taken with or without food. 
 
Pregnancy and breast-feeding 
It is preferable not to take this product during pregnancy. 
 
If you are pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant, you should tell your doctor or your pharmacist 
before taking Plavix. If you become pregnant while taking Plavix, consult your doctor immediately as 
it is recommended not to take clopidogrel while you are pregnant.  
 
You should not breast-feed while taking this medicine.  
If you are breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine. 
 
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine. 
 
Driving and using machines 
Plavix is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or to use machines. 
 
Plavix contains lactose 
If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars (e.g. lactose), contact 
your doctor before taking this medicine. 
 
Plavix contains hydrogenated castor oil  
This may cause stomach upset or diarrhoea. 
 
 
3.  How to take Plavix  
 
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor 
or pharmacist if you are not sure. 
 
The recommended dose, including for patients with a condition called ‘atrial fibrillation’ (an irregular 
heartbeat), is one 75 mg tablet of Plavix per day to be taken orally with or without food, and at the 
same time each day. 
 
If you have experienced severe chest pain (unstable angina or heart attack), your doctor may give you 
300 mg of Plavix (1 tablet of 300 mg or 4 tablets of 75 mg) once at the start of treatment. Then, the 
recommended dose is one 75 mg tablet of Plavix per day as described above. 
 
You should take Plavix for as long as your doctor continues to prescribe it.  
 
If you take more Plavix than you should 
Contact your doctor or the nearest hospital emergency department because of the increased risk of 
bleeding. 
 
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 



 

44 

 
 
4.  Possible side effects 
 
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.  
 
 
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience: 

- fever, signs of infection or extreme tiredness. These may be due to rare decrease of some 
blood cells. 

- signs of liver problems such as yellowing of the skin and/or the eyes (jaundice), whether or 
not associated with bleeding which appears under the skin as red pinpoint dots, and/or 
confusion (see section 2 ‘Warnings and precautions’). 

- swelling in the mouth or skin disorders such as rashes and itching, blisters of the skin. These 
may be the signs of an allergic reaction. 

 
The most common side effect  reported with Plavix is bleeding. Bleeding may occur as bleeding in 
the stomach or bowels, bruising, haematoma (unusual bleeding or bruising under the skin), nose bleed, 
blood in the urine. In a small number of cases, bleeding in the eye, inside the head, the lung or the 
joints has also been reported. 
 
If you experience prolonged bleeding when taking Plavix 
If you cut or injure yourself, it may take longer than usual for bleeding to stop. This is linked to the 
way your medicine works as it prevents the ability of blood clots to form. For minor cuts and injuries 
e.g., cutting yourself, shaving, this is usually of no concern. However, if you are concerned by your 
bleeding, you should contact your doctor straightaway (see section 2 ‘Warnings and precautions’). 
 
Other side effects include: 
Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):   
Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, indigestion or heartburn. 
 
Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):   
Headache, stomach ulcer, vomiting, nausea, constipation, excessive gas in stomach or intestines, 
rashes, itching, dizziness, sensation of tingling and numbness. 
 
Rare side effect (may affect up to 1 in 1000 people):   
Vertigo, enlarged breasts in males. 
 
Very rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people):   
Jaundice; severe abdominal pain with or without back pain; fever, breathing difficulties sometimes 
associated with cough; generalised allergic reactions (for example, overall sensation of heat with 
sudden general discomfort until fainting); swelling in the mouth; blisters of the skin; skin allergy; sore 
mouth (stomatitis); decrease in blood pressure; confusion; hallucinations; joint pain; muscular pain; 
changes in taste or loss of taste of food. 
 
Side effects with frequency not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data): 
Hypersensitivity reactions with chest or abdominal pain. 
 
In addition, your doctor may identify changes in your blood or urine test results. 
 
Reporting of side effects 
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects 
not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system 
listed in Appendix V. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of 
this medicine. 
 
 



 

45 

5.  How to store Plavix 
 
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.  
 
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and on the blister, after 
EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. 
 
This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions. 
 
Do not use this medicine if you notice any visible sign of deterioration. 
 
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to 
throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help to protect the environment. 
 
 
6  Contents of the pack and other information 
 
What Plavix contains 
The active substance is clopidogrel. Each tablet contains 300 mg of clopidogrel (as hydrogen 
sulphate). 
  
The other ingredients are (see section 2 ‘Plavix contains lactose’ and ‘Plavix contains hydrogenated 
castor oil’): 

- Tablet core: mannitol (E421), hydrogenated castor oil, microcrystalline cellulose, 
macrogol 6000 and low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose 

- Tablet coating: lactose monohydrate (milk sugar), hypromellose (E464), triacetin (E1518), 
red iron oxide (E172) and titanium dioxide (E171),  

- Polishing agent: carnauba wax. 
 
What Plavix looks like and contents of the pack 
 
Plavix 300-mg film-coated tablets are oblong, pink, engraved on one side with the number ‘300’ and 
on the other side with the number ‘1332’. Plavix is supplied in cardboard cartons containing 4x1, 
10x1, 30x1 and 100x1 tablets in all aluminium perforated unit-dose blisters. Not all pack sizes may be 
marketed. 
 
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer 
 
Marketing Authorisation Holder: Sanofi Clir SNC 
54, rue La Boétie - F-75008 Paris - France 
 
Manufacturer: 
Sanofi Winthrop Industrie 
1, rue de la Vierge, Ambarès & Lagrave, F-33565 Carbon Blanc cedex, France 
 
For any information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the Marketing 
Authorisation Holder:  
 
België/Belgique/Belgien 
Sanofi Belgium 
Tél/Tel: +32 (0)2 710 54 00 
 

Lietuva 
UAB «SANOFI-AVENTIS LIETUVA» 
Tel: +370 5 2755224 
 

България 
SANOFI BULGARIA EOOD 
Тел: +359 (0)2 970 53 00 
 

Luxembourg/Luxemburg 
Sanofi Belgium  
Tél/Tel: +32 (0)2 710 54 00 (Belgique/Belgien) 
 



 

46 

Česká republika 
sanofi-aventis, s.r.o. 
Tel: +420 233 086 111 
 

Magyarország 
SANOFI-AVENTIS Zrt. 
Tel.: +36 1 505 0050 
 

Danmark 
sanofi-aventis Denmark A/S 
Tlf: +45 45 16 70 00 
 

Malta 
Sanofi Malta Ltd. 
Tel: +356 21493022 
 

Deutschland 
Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH 
Tel.: 0800 52 52 010 
Tel. aus dem Ausland: +49 (0)180 2 22201069 
305 21 131 
 

Nederland 
sanofi-aventis Netherlands B.V. 
Tel: +31 (0)182 557 755 
 

Eesti 
sanofi-aventis Estonia OÜ 
Tel: +372 627 3488 
 

Norge 
sanofi-aventis Norge AS 
Tlf: +47 67 10 71 00 
 

Ελλάδα 
sanofi-aventis AEBE 
Τηλ: +30 210 900 16 00 
 

Österreich 
sanofi-aventis GmbH 
Tel: +43 1 80 185 – 0 
 

España 
sanofi-aventis, S.A. 
Tel: +34 93 485 94 00 
 

Polska 
sanofi-aventis Sp. z o.o. 
Tel: +48 22 280 00 00 
 

France 
sanofi-aventis France 
Tél: 0 800 222 555 
Appel depuis l’étranger: +33 1 57 63 23 23 
 

Portugal 
Sanofi - Produtos Farmacêuticos, Lda 
Tel: +351 21 35 89 400 
 

Hrvatska 
sanofi-aventis Croatia d.o.o. 
Tel: +385 1 600 34 00 

România 
Sanofi Romania SRL 
Tel: +40 (0) 21 317 31 36 
 

Ireland 
sanofi-aventis Ireland Ltd. T/A SANOFI 
Tel: +353 (0) 1 403 56 00 
 

Slovenija 
sanofi-aventis d.o.o. 
Tel: +386 1 560 48 00 
 

Ísland 
Vistor hf. 
Sími: +354 535 7000 
 

Slovenská republika 
sanofi-aventis Pharma Slovakia s.r.o. 
Tel: +421 2 33 100 100 
 

Italia 
Sanofi S.p.A. 
Tel: 800.536 389 
 

Suomi/Finland 
Sanofi Oy 
Puh/Tel: +358 (0) 201 200 300 
 

Κύπρος 
sanofi-aventis Cyprus Ltd. 
Τηλ: +357 22 871600 
 

Sverige 
Sanofi AB 
Tel: +46 (0)8 634 50 00 
 

Latvija 
sanofi-aventis Latvia SIA 
Tel: +371 67 33 24 51 
 

United Kingdom 
Sanofi 
Tel: +44 (0) 845 372 7101 
 



 

47 

 
This leaflet was last revised in <Month YYYY>.  
 
Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency website:  
http://www.ema.europa.eu/  
 
 
 


	SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
	A. MANUFACTURERS RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE
	B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE
	C.      OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION
	D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
	A. LABELLING
	B. PACKAGE LEAFLET
	Approved Originatorpi Plavix
	ANNEX I SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
	ANNEX II
	ANNEX III LABELLING AND PACKAGE LEAFLET
	A. LABELLING
	B. PACKAGE LEAFLET