Aspirin and Aspirin-Containing Medications

Medications To Avoid Before Surgery

Aspirin and aspirin-related products should not be taken for two (2) weeks before surgery and for two (2) weeks after surgery because they can increase the tendency for bleeding. Even ‘heart-protective’ or low-dose daily aspirin can have the same effect. At the least, they will increase the amount of bruising you will have. For this reason, it is very important that the contents of any ‘over-the-counter’ medications be checked carefully prior to their use.

Many headache, cold remedies, and sinus medications contain aspirin. The chemical name of aspirin is Acetylsalicylic Acid. Check for it on the label of the medications that you may be taking prior to surgery.

Tylenol may be safely taken for minor pain and headaches

The following is a partial list of some common medications to avoid prior to surgery:

Herbal Medications and Teas

There are a wide variety of herbal medications and drinks (e.g., tea) that are now routinely taken by many patients. Many of these have been shown to affect the ability of blood to clot and have caused intraoperative and postoperative bleeding problems in some patients. It is difficult, if not impossible, to know exactly which ones can cause bleeding or what the interactive effects are when more than one is being taken or ingested on a daily basis. As none of them are absolutely critical for your health, they can be stopped for a short period of time. It is advised that all herbal medications and regular tea drinking should be stopped two weeks prior to surgery.