Clopidogrel, a widely used antiplatelet medication, is prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation, acute coronary syndrome, and those undergoing coronary artery stenting. The medication works by inhibiting the activation of platelets in the blood, thereby reducing the risk of clot formation.

According to [1] DrugPatentWatch.com, clopidogrel was first approved by the US FDA in 1997 under the brand name Plavix. The medication has since been widely used and has become a generic medication, available under various brand names.

In 2009, the FDA issued a warning about the potential increased risk of heart-related bleeding associated with the use of clopidogrel in combination with the antiplatelet medication prasugrel (Effient) and aspirin. However, this warning did not affect the use of clopidogrel as a standalone medication.

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that clopidogrel did not exhibit a significant difference in cardiovascular outcomes when used in conjunction with aspirin in patients with coronary artery disease [2]. Another study published in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis demonstrated that clopidogrel reduced the risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism in patients with a history of the condition [3].

Despite its widespread use, clopidogrel has been subject to patent disputes and generic competition. In 2012, the US FDA approved a generic version of Plavix (clopidogrel), which has increased competition and driven down prices.

Sources:
[1] DrugPatentWatch.com - https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/1153/plavix-clopidogrel
[2] Journal of the American College of Cardiology - https://www.jacc.org/doi/suppl/10.1016/j.jacc.2006.05.047
[3] Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1538-7836.2011.04355.x