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Our Members Asked:
What supplements should I stop taking before surgery?
Reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D.
Answer:
There are a number of supplements and herbs that can interfere with anesthesia or increase the risk of bleeding, cardiovascular events, or other complications during and after surgery. Always tell your doctor and surgeon about the supplements you take; unfortunately, an estimated 70% of patients do not. For information about specific supplements to avoid before surgery, see the full answer >>Join today to unlock all member benefits including full access to all CL Answers and over 1,300 reviews.
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Glenn19985
May 20, 2020I wonder if SAMe needs to be stopped before surgery. Apparently one of its benefits is that it may be like an anti-inflammatory. My pre-op instructions advise to quit taking all anti-inflammatory supplements and medications. Would SAMe be considered an anti-inflammatory supplement to avoid before surgery?
ConsumerLab.com
May 28, 2020Due to SAMe's potential effects on neurotransmitters such as serotonin (which can affect the central nervous system and the vascular system) theoretical concerns have been raised about taking SAMe before surgery, but there do not seem to be any reported cases of injury.
Nancy18784
December 29, 2019Clinicians DON'T ASK about supplements!! I had to make an appt with my clinician to get them listed on my current medications because IF I was ever admitted to the hospital or in the ER, those clinicians should be able to to look at my medical record and see that info.
Ellyn17461
January 9, 2019My teeth would bleed terribly when I went to the dentist for cleaning. Since avoiding the 81mg aspirin and fish oil the day of the visit, I have had NO problem. I take ginger, turmeric, glucosamine and chondroitin daily and do not stop them. I have had 2 outpatient surgeries in 2018 and did stop all the supplements that you mention for them.
Louis17453
January 9, 2019I've performed anesthesia for thousands of surgical patients. I cannot quote you any hard facts from the medical literature on nutriceuticals and risks of peri-operative complications (mostly because there aren't a lot of hard facts on the subject). But, like with the investigations of the effects of fish oil supplements on surgical bleeding risk, I feel that very few of the products mentioned, when used responsibly, have any significant medical/surgical risks that would require stopping their use pre-operatively. There are exceptions of course, e.g., ephedra and other stimulants (which shouldn't be taken in the first place!). But, given that almost all supplements can be done without for a while, and given the pre-operative policies of most surgeons and anesthesiologists, it's probably best simply to stop your products pre-operatively as requested. Louis
Peter17445
January 9, 2019Thanks so much for this - I have a pre-op appointment today and I take a boatload of supplements, many of which are on this list!
ConsumerLab.com
January 9, 2019Hi Peter - Glad to hear this is helpful for you, and we wish you well with your surgery!
Brenda16160
November 5, 2017I have never been asked in any pre-op appointment about supplements. I knew about the ones that are taken for inflammation but I've never stopped my omegas. Interesting.
Brenda16158
November 5, 2017I have never been asked in any pre-op appointment about supplements. I knew about the ones that are taken for inflammation but I’ve never stopped my omegas. Interesting.
Richard11077
July 14, 2016Eight days before routine hernia surgery I was surprised when the nurse reviewing my meds and supplements told me to stop taking CoQ10 immediately.