What supplements should I stop taking before surgery?

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Supplements to Avoid Before Surgery?

Written by Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Updated April 25, 2024 ⓘ

Supplements to stop before surgery - operating room

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.

Sign in as a member for information about specific supplements to avoid before surgery, including which should be tapered instead of abruptly discontinued. Supplements discussed include aloe, arnica, ashwagandha, bilberry, bromelain, buckthorn, Cascara sagrada, chaga mushroom, chamomile, cinnamon (high-dose), CoQ10, dong quai, echinacea, ephedra, feverfew, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng, glucosamine and chondroitin, goldenseal, kava, licorice, lion’s mane, lumbrokinase, melatonin, nattokinase, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (including flaxseed oil, evening primrose oil, and fish oil), resveratrol, rhubarb root, saffron, saw palmetto (and beta-sitosterol), senna, St. John's wort, turmeric (with or without piperine), valerian, and vitamin E.

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