To prepare for your surgery or procedure, your doctor has asked you to avoid certain medicines, including aspirin and aspirin-like products, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, and other medicines or supplements.
This page lists medicines and supplements (by generic and trade names) that you should avoid to prevent bleeding problems.
You may take acetaminophen (Tylenol) as needed for minor aches and pains.
The lists in this handout are not complete. Other products or supplements may also cause bleeding problems.
Important note for patients who have had cardiac stents or other heart surgery in the past year:
Talk with your cardiologist (heart doctor) before you stop taking any aspirin product or clopidogrel (Plavix).
Stop taking ALL natural products, herbal medicines, vitamins, and other supplements 7 days before your surgery. They may be resumed when your doctor says it is OK.
On the next page are herbs and other supplements that are especially harmful to take if you are having surgery because they can cause extra bleeding.
Your questions are important. Call your doctor or health care provider if you have questions or concerns.
UWMC and SCCA clinic staff are also available to help.