Medications & Supplements To Avoid Before & After Surgery

[communityhead]

It is often instructed that no brand of aspirin, nor any aspirin-containing drugs, be ingested 14 days prior to and following a surgical procedure. It is also urged to inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist of EVERY medication or supplement you have ingested for the last few months. Including some anti-depressants as they can take as many as several weeks to fully purge themselves from the body. Even homeopathic supplements can endanger your life or increase some risks intra- and post-operatively so please disclose EVERY medication, essential oil, supplement, suspension, etc., your life and well-being may depend upon it.

Aspirin and aspirin containing products, as well as some supplements and nutraceuticals may inhibit blood clotting and cause difficulties during and after surgery. If you need an aspirin-free fever reducer and pain reliever, ask your surgeon if you may take Tylenol. Also, if you smoke, you shouldn't smoke at least 2to 3 weeks prior and at least 2 to 3 weeks after your surgery date. Smoking significantly reduces your body's superficial circulation and vascularity. This means difficulty in bringing much needed oxygen to your tissues for proper healing.

[aia44]

After reading this, I have decided that is just wiser not to take any over-the-counter medication without asking your surgeon.