What medications should I stop prior to surgery?
We require that all patients scheduled for elective facial plastic surgery STOP all prescription blood thinner medication, aspirin-containing medications, and NSAIDs at least two weeks prior to surgery. If you are required to take blood thinner medications to protect your heart, brain, or blood vessels, please bring that to the attention of Dr. Weber. He will determine together with your treating physician if stopping your blood thinner medications is safe.
Why am I required to stop these medications?
Blood-thinning medications, both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC), can dramatically raise the risk of bleeding complications following elective surgery. Given that our practice is 100% focused on elective surgery, we will seek to schedule your surgery around your ability to stop all blood-thinning medications. With rare exceptions, recent use of blood-thinning medications will prevent you from undergoing elective facial procedures.
What CAN I take for discomfort or headache prior to surgery?
Tylenol (acetaminophen) may be given for mild to moderate pain and headache up to the day of surgery. Tylenol will NOT thin your blood or worsen bruising and can be restarted immediately after surgery.
What prescription medications must I stop prior to surgery?
Common Prescription Blood Thinner Medications:
- Aggrenox
- Coumadin (Warfarin)
- Dalteparin
- Eliquis
- Enoxaparin (Lovenox)
- Fragmin
- Heparin
- Plavix
- Pradaxa
- Ticlopidine
- Xarelto among others
I know that Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic acid) is to be avoided. What other OTC products contain aspirin?
Check the labels of ALL "over-the-counter" medications for their individual components. Many headache, pain, and cold remedies contain aspirin. The chemical name of aspirin is Acetylsalicylic Acid.
Frequently encountered products that contain aspirin:
- ASA
- Aspirin
- Acetylsalicylic acid
- Anacin
- Alka-Seltzer
- Aspergum
- Bayer products
- Bufferin
- Ecotrin
- Empirin
- Excedrin
- Fiorinal
- Pepto-Bismol
- Salicylic acid
- Sodium Salicylate
- Others
What are NSAIDs, and should I avoid them prior to surgery?
NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are OTC medications frequently used to reduce pain and inflammation. NSAIDs should be avoided for at least two (2) weeks prior to your surgery date.
Frequently encountered products that contain NSAIDs:
- Advil
- Aleve
- Diclofenac
- Dristan
- Etodolac
- Fenoprofen
- Ibuprofen
- Indocin
- Indomethacin
- Ketoprofen
- Ketorolac
- Meloxicam
- Midol
- Mobic
- Motrin
- Naprosyn
- Naproxen
- Orudis
- Piroxicam
- Salsalate
- Sulindac
- Toradol
- Voltaren and others
What about herbals? Are herbs and supplements safe to take before surgery?
Many herbs and supplements can worsen bruising and lead to bleeding complications. It is best to stop ALL herbs and supplements prior to surgery, but the following products are associated with the most severe bleeding and bruising following surgery.
Common Herbals and Supplements that should be avoided:
- CoQ10
- Ephedra
- Feverfew
- Fish Oil
- Green tea
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Ginseng
- Ginger
- Garlic
- St. John's Wort
- Kava Kava
- Valerian
- Vitamin C (more than 1000 mg per day)
- Vitamin E
What should I do if I have additional questions?
If you have specific questions about your medication list, please contact us by phone 720-738-4443 or email [email protected].
Weber Facial Plastic Surgery
Contact
© Weber Facial Plastic Surgery. All Rights Reserved. Designed & Developed by Studio III