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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Long Does Plavix Stay In The Body?

I have been taking Plavix regularly since my heart attack. However, because I wanted to take Aleve for chronic pain, I stopped taking the Plavix at least 3 weeks ago. However, last Wednesday and Thursday, I took a Plavix in error. I had also stopped the Plavix. How long does it take for Plavix to leave the system? I am supposed to have a cortizone shot in my spine tomorrow and they require no Plavix for 7 days. Can I safely still have the shot? I know the reason for not giving it is due to thinned blood. Are the 2 pills in over 3 weeks enough to thin the blood so that it would be dangerous? It is really important I have the shot due to the pain and 2 immediate trips planned. Thank you.
Tue, 18 Sep 2018
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

I understand you have a question about how long Plavix stays in your system. First of all, I would recommend you make sure with the doctor that prescribed you the Plavix that it is ok to stop. Depending on your risk and how long you've already taken Plavix, it may be important for you to continue Plavix in order to prevent another heart attack. If you had a stent placed, it would be important to take Plavix to keep the stent open, usually at least for 6 to 12 months.

As for your main question, normally if you are required to stop Plavix for a procedure or surgery, they want you to stop Plavix 5 days prior. After 5 days, the effect of Plavix on your blood will have mostly worn off. If it is less than 5 days since you last took Plavix, they may want to postpone the procedure. Whether the fact that you only took 2 pills makes a difference will be up to the doctor doing the procedure, but I would expect even 2 pills would thin your blood enough that they would probably want to postpone.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Aaron Branch, General & Family Physician
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How Long Does Plavix Stay In The Body?

Hello, I understand you have a question about how long Plavix stays in your system. First of all, I would recommend you make sure with the doctor that prescribed you the Plavix that it is ok to stop. Depending on your risk and how long you ve already taken Plavix, it may be important for you to continue Plavix in order to prevent another heart attack. If you had a stent placed, it would be important to take Plavix to keep the stent open, usually at least for 6 to 12 months. As for your main question, normally if you are required to stop Plavix for a procedure or surgery, they want you to stop Plavix 5 days prior. After 5 days, the effect of Plavix on your blood will have mostly worn off. If it is less than 5 days since you last took Plavix, they may want to postpone the procedure. Whether the fact that you only took 2 pills makes a difference will be up to the doctor doing the procedure, but I would expect even 2 pills would thin your blood enough that they would probably want to postpone. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Aaron Branch, General & Family Physician