MEDICATIONS BEFORE SURGERY

 

If you are taking medicines, most medicines should be continued before an operation, but there are some important exceptions. It is important to cease some medicines prior to surgery.

 

The following medications need special attention:

 

Blood thinning Medications

 

Your surgeon, and sometimes the prescribing specialist such as your Cardiologist, should review your medication plan.

 

If the decision is made to stop the medication, the following rules apply:

 

  • Clopidogrel– last dose 8 days before surgery
  • Aspirin – last dose 8 days before surgery
  • Warfarin (may need daily replacement injections) – last dose 6 days before surgery
  • NSAIDs (Nurofen, Voltaren, Indocid, Celebrex, Mobic, Naprosyn) – last dose 6 days before surgery
  • Dabigatran (Pradaxa) – last dose 4 days before surgery
  • Apixaban (Eliquis) – last dose 4 days before surgery
  • Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) – last dose 4 days before surgery
  • Herbal Remedies – Fish/Krill oil, Garlic, Gingko, Glucosamine, Vitamins – last dose 8 days before

 

Diabetes Medications

 

Other medicines that must be adjusted or stopped include those for diabetes. These include various types of insulin or medicines taken by mouth to lower blood-sugar levels.

 

  • Medications ending with …FLOZIN

 

Forxiga, Qtern, Xigduo XR, Steglatro, Steglujan, Segluromet, Jardiance, Jardiamet, Glyxambi – last dose 3 days before surgery

 

  • Other diabetic tablets – DO NOT take on the day of surgery

 

  • Insulin – ask to be early on the list for your operation. Insulin injections will depend on your regime and blood glucose control. Ring me for further instructions.

 

Blood Pressure/Heart/Diuretic Medications

 

  • Blood-pressure medications ending with …PRIL or …SARTAN – DO NOT take on the day of surgery. Bring it to the hospital.
  • Diuretics (water tablets) such as Frusemide – DO NOT take on the day of surgery. Bring it to the hospital.

 

You should continue to take your other medications up to and including the day of your surgery unless you are told not to.

 

If you have any questions, please contact me.  Please follow these instructions to avoid your surgery/procedure being delayed to another day.

 

Please note that there are hundreds of medications available.  This overview is of a general nature only addresses some of the common medications used.  Please consult your prescribing General Practitioner or Specialist for further advice.