Supplements to Stop Before Surgery
What to tell your surgeon and when to stop
Many common supplements increase bleeding risk or interact with anesthesia. Your surgeon needs to know what you take, and some need to be stopped 1-2 weeks before.
TL;DR
Stop 2 weeks before: Fish oil, Vitamin E, Ginkgo, Garlic, Ginger. Stop 1 week before: St. John's Wort, Valerian. Always disclose: Everything. Your anesthesiologist especially needs to know.
Why This Matters
Supplements aren't "natural and harmless." Many affect blood clotting, blood pressure, heart rhythm, or how your body processes anesthesia. A supplement you forgot to mention could mean dangerous bleeding or drug interactions during surgery.
Stop 2 Weeks Before
Bleeding risk. affects platelet function
Reduces platelet aggregation, increases bleeding
Even "low dose" can extend bleeding time
Potent blood thinner, documented surgical bleeding
Multiple case reports of bleeding complications
Anti-platelet and anti-inflammatory
High doses used therapeutically are concerning
Stop 1 Week Before
Drug interactions with anesthesia
Major drug interactions. affects liver enzymes
Can reduce effectiveness of anesthesia drugs
Disclose But May Continue
Doctor's judgment needed
What To Do
- Make a complete list of ALL supplements, herbs, and vitamins you take
- Include doses and frequency
- Tell BOTH your surgeon AND anesthesiologist
- Don't assume "natural" means "safe to continue"
- Ask specifically which to stop and when
- Don't restart without asking post-surgery
Common Mistakes
- Not mentioning supplements because "they're not drugs"
- Forgetting about herbal teas (some contain active compounds)
- Stopping prescription blood thinners but continuing fish oil
- Restarting supplements too soon after surgery
The Bottom Line
Your surgical team needs to know everything. A 2-week fish oil break won't hurt you. Unexpected bleeding during surgery could.
Related Safety Guides
About this information: Our recommendations draw from peer-reviewed clinical trials, systematic reviews, and the same medical databases your doctor uses. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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