Why do you have to stop plavix (clopidogrel) when getting an epidural?

SBL (See Below): Clopidogrel or Plavix (clopidogrel) is a thienopyridine-class antiplatelet agent used to inhibit blood clots in coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and to prevent heart attacks. The way it works is by inhibiting the ADP receptor on platelet cell membranes. If someone gets an epidural, there is microtrauma that needs proper platelet function to avoid bleeding complicati

Bleeding risk: Clopidogrel is a platelet inhibitor - it puts you at increased bleeding risk for any procedure. A bleed in the epidural space could represent significant risk, however, you should discuss this with your providers before stopping ESPECIALLY if you've had any kind of stenting procedure in the last year.