Clopidogrel / Dentist

[Bazile]

If your'e on Clopidogrel - for how long should you stop taking them , before a dental procedure ( which may only include a scrape and polish as this often also draws blood sometimes from the gums around the teeth ) ?

[Sqad]

I wouldn't stop taking it Bazile.............the risk of bleeding from dental problems is far less, much less than you stopping your anticoagulant and getting a thrombotic or embolic episode.

slaney may well see your post and her advice would be essential and up to date.

[Bazile]

Thanks sqad - lets hope she's around

[Bazile]

While i'm on the subject of blood thinning medication .

If someone who is on a blood thinning product was to need an emergency operation , for instance - would their medical details , including medication be available on a nhs database , so any medical staff anywhere in the country , could see it , in order to take any relevant precautions ?