Jim62, that's interesting what you had to say about your surgery and the woman with gallbladder surgery. My surgeon will definitely not do the surgery while on the plavix. I think maybe what I should do is go find another surgeon who is willing to do it. The Plavix is important to take especially if you have coated stents. You may want to be checked for arthritis that may be flaring up. Coumadin is not to be used in persons with high cholesterol. You may want to be checked for arthritis that may be flaring up. You may need to stop taking clopidogrel before you have surgery or dental work. DO NOT just stop taking your medicine without first talking with your provider. DO NOT just stop taking your medicine without first talking with your provider. Stop taking Plavix at the designated time (again, at least five days before surgery). According to an article by Ed Edelson, this reduces your risk of excessive bleeding, reduces the risk of requiring a second operation as a result of the bleeding, and reduces the length of time that you will need to spend in the hospital after your surgery. As for Plavix, it inhibits platelet aggregration, you may need to get off the Plavix about 7 days before an invasive surgery and an epidural may be considered an equivalent. I recommend you talk to your doc and/or pharmacist and put together a pros and cons list after consulting with your doc and make sure you get clear instructions when to go off the medicines if you really need an epidural. Medications to Avoid Before and After Surgery. Medications that increase the chances that you will bleed excessively after surgery include: Aspirin, enteric-coated, baby, and plain aspirin or any other product containing aspirin. You may need to stop using this medicine for a short time before a surgery, medical procedure, or dental work. Any healthcare provider who treats you should know that you are taking this medicine. Any healthcare provider who treats you should know that you are taking this medicine. Hi, I've had dental.It depends on why you are taking the plavix and what type of dental surgery you need. The second time I was hospitalized and put on IV antibiotics but I was given heparin shots in the stomach every 12 hours to take me off of the plavix. I also have been taking Plavix with Aspirin since the last 2 years, I guess its the side effects of the medicine that one has dry skin, I have the same condition on my right lower leg, kindly see a doctor/pharmacist for more details.