You can’t use clopidogrel (Plavix) or aspirin in patients who are sensitive to them.

This is false...but with a big caveat. To use either one safely in a sensitive patient, you’ll need to pick a management strategy...desensitization or immune suppression.

Up to 5% of patients are sensitive to clopidogrel or aspirin.

Clopidogrel. Severe hypersensitivity reactions such as fever, abdominal pain, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia are rare. Dealing with them usually requires a formal desensitization protocol...and clopidogrel must be stopped during the protocol. Protocols vary but usually require a washout period of more than 5 days...and 3 or more days of escalating clopidogrel doses.