Clopidogrel And Genetic Testing : Is It Necessary?

The ‘one size fits all model does not work in life. Did you know that the same is true for medicines too? The same drug cannot suit all individuals, even though the disease may be the same.? 

Each individual reacts differently to the same medicine. Each individual possesses unique genes. Your genes help you to know how your body will respond to a certain drug. Genes influence the metabolism of the drugs you take.? 

It is often noted that some people experience immediate relief while some experience nothing despite taking the same medications. Depending upon the genetic make-up of an individual, the response to the drug can be normal, poor, intermediate, fast, or slow.? 

The study of genetic information to predict a response to a drug is known as pharmacogenetics.? 

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to get a customized treatment for yourself? A treatment that is sure to help you and is the most effective for you.? 

A sure-shot way to cure is a MEDNAwise genetic test. The perfect tool to help the doctor to prescribe the best and most effective drug for you.? 

Today, we live a sedentary life. Our stress levels are increasing. Heart attacks and strokes have become very common. 

One of the widely prescribed drugs for high-risk heart diseases is Clopidogrel. It is a platelet inhibitor, which prevents clot formation in the blood vessels and aids in keeping heart attacks and strokes at bay. 

What is Clopidogrel? 

Multiple body functions are carried out without us consciously being aware. Clotting or clumping of blood is also a natural process of healing wounds. Our body naturally dissolves unwanted clots and cleanses the blood. Sometimes un-wanted clot formation takes place. The formation of such a clot is dangerous as it obstructs the normal flow of blood. 

Clopidogrel is a medicine that helps keep the blood flow undisrupted, without clot formation. It helps in preventing heart attacks and strokes in people at a high risk of getting an attack. 

Clopidogrel is also known as an anti-platelet medicine.  Platelets are small, colorless cell fragments in our blood that form clots and prevent bleeding. They are essential to healing any injury when our body bleeds. These platelets come close and stick together, forming a blob or clump and helping plug the blood vessel to stop the bleeding. Once our body is healed, this clump of blood is naturally removed from our body.? 

Clopidogrel acts as an anti-clot agent, preventing the platelets to stick together and thus preventing any blood clots from forming. It is also prescribed when the doctor feels you may be at risk of blood clot formation. 

What is a high risk? 

         You have already had a heart attack 

         You  have experienced a stroke 

         If you have any arterial disease 

         You have undergone a coronary bypass grafting or surgery 

         If you have a coronary stent inserted 

How to take the correct dosages of Clopidogrel: 

Clopidogrel usually comes in the form of a tablet and can be taken orally. It has to be taken once a day, with or without food, but at the same time every day. The most usual dose can be 75mg per day. The doctor can alter the dosage and can prescribe Clopidogrel with Asprin. 

Always remember to take the entire dose as prescribed by the doctor. Taking improper dosages does not give the desired results. That results in an alteration in the efficiency and efficacy of the drug. 

If you miss a dose, don’t worry; take the next dosage as usual at the decided time. There is no need to take the double dosage. 

Setting up an alarm every day for the medicines is a good idea. 

Clopidogrel starts working within two hours of taking it. 

What to do and not to do when taking Clopidogrel: 

Smoking and drinking habits can affect efficacy. It is best to limit the use of both. 

Another crucial factor to consider is drug-drug interaction. That means you must consult the doctor before taking any other drug with Clopidogrel as the combination could hamper the efficacy or produce unwanted results altogether. 

Clopidogrel is not recommended when pregnant or breastfeeding. 

Talk to your doctor if you plan any dental treatment or surgery, as Clopidogrel needs to be stopped for that time. 

Common brand names of Clopidogrel in the market: 

        Plavix (Sanofi) 

        Clopitab (Lupin) 

        Clopikind (Mankind Pharma) 

         Clopid (Genix Pharma) 

         Plagril (Dr. Reddy’s) 

         Kogrel (Novartis) 

         Clopivas (Cipla) Ceruvin (Ranbaxy) 

Side effects of Clopidogrel: 

The side effects and the severity of them differs from person to person. A few of the common side effects are listed below: 

           Bleeding more than one usually does 

           Heavier nosebleeds 

           Heavy period flow for women 

           Easily bruising oneself 

           Diarrhoea 

           Bleeding gums 

           Heartburns 

Indus Health Plus conducted a Retrospective Study on Clopidogrel drug for a sample size and here were the results:  

How do I know that the drug suits me? 

MEDNAwise is a pharmacogenetic testing product from Indus Health Plus. It can predict your genetic response to 70+ drugs in different medical specialties. It is a detailed report that gives the doctor the exact results about the efficacy of the drugs. 

That also helps to minimize any adverse drug reactions and optimizes the cost of the treatment. 

MEDNAwise report can help you know if Clopidogrel is an effective drug for you. 

The impacts of medical emergencies extend to the family of the patient too! When the diseases can be avoided and cured with the correct medicines and care, let us invest in good health. Sign up for the MEDNAwise testing today!