BEFORE SURGERY
Medications before surgery
Most medications can be taken as usual, but some may need to be changed or stopped before your procedure. The information below explains what to do and when you should contact us for advice.
Your medications
Some medications need special attention before your procedure. The information below explains what to do with commonly used medications and when you should contact us for advice.
Make sure your medication list is complete
Please include everything you take in your pre-operative questionnaire. This includes prescription medications, medications bought over the counter, vitamins, supplements and herbal products.
Include the name, dose and how often you take each one, even if you do not take it every day.
Blood-thinning medications can increase the risk of bleeding during and after your procedure, but stopping them can also cause problems.
If you take a blood thinner such as warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, aspirin or clopidogrel, you will need specific instructions about what to do before your procedure.
Do not stop a prescribed blood thinner unless you have been specifically advised to do so.
Diabetes medications may need to be changed when you are fasting for a procedure. This includes insulin, diabetes tablets and injectable medications.
If you take medications for diabetes, please read Diabetes and anaesthesia for information about fasting, blood glucose monitoring and what to do with your medications before and after your procedure.
Diabetes and anaesthesia →
GLP-1 medications are used for diabetes and weight management and can slow the emptying of your stomach. This can affect how you need to prepare and fast before anaesthesia or sedation.
If you take a GLP-1 medication, please read the specific preparation and fasting instructions before your procedure.
GLP-1 medications and anaesthesia →
Most heart and blood pressure medications can be taken as usual, but some may need to be changed or stopped before your procedure.
Continue taking your medications unless you have been given different instructions by your hospital, surgeon, anaesthetist or treating doctor.
If you are unsure about any of your medications, please check before the day of your procedure.
Most regular medications can be taken as usual, but there are some exceptions.
Make sure your pre-operative questionnaire includes an up-to-date list of all your medications, including the name, dose and how often you take them.
If you have been given specific instructions about your medications, follow those instructions.
Tell us about any vitamins, supplements, herbal products or other non-prescription medications you take.
Some of these can affect your anaesthetic or increase the risk of bleeding.
You may be asked to stop some before your procedure. If you are unsure whether something is important, include it on your medication list.