Deplatt Special Precautions

Clopidogrel prolongs the bleeding time and therefore should be used with caution in patients who may be at risk of increased bleeding from trauma, surgery or other pathological conditions (particularly gastrointestinal and intraocular). If a patient is to undergo elective surgery and an antiplatelet effect is not desired, clopidogrel should be discontinued 5 days prior to surgery. Due the risk of bleeding and undesirable hematological effects, blood cell count determination and/or other appropriate testing should be promptly considered, whenever such suspected clinical symptoms arise during the course of treatment.
Information to Patients:  Patients should be told that it may take them longer than usual to stop bleeding when they take clopidogrel, and they should report any unusual bleeding to their physician. Patients should inform physicians and dentists that they are taking clopidogrel before any surgery is scheduled and before any new drug is taken.