Prior to elective surgery, when should Plavix be discontinued?

Plavix, or clopidogrel, is an antiplatelet medication often used to reduce the risk of blood clots. For patients scheduled for elective surgery, the discontinuation of Plavix is usually recommended to minimize the risk of excessive bleeding during the procedure. The correct timing for discontinuation is 5 days prior to surgery. This timeframe allows sufficient time for the effects of the medication to wear off, as it typically takes several days for platelet function to return to normal after stopping Plavix.

Stopping Plavix within this 5-day period effectively reduces the chances of bleeding complications while still providing adequate time for platelets to recover before the surgical procedure. This is particularly important for elective surgeries where bleeding control is critical for patient safety and optimal outcomes.