Question:
Pre-Surgery do you have to go off NSAIDS, Estrogen, Aspirin and other drugs?

I have heard you have to go off of certain drugs pre-surgery such as Estrogen (in my case Premarin which I've been taking since 1993), Celebrex and Aspirin? It was mentioned to me that estrogen can cause blood clots? Any others? Thanks!    — AJC750 (posted on November 29, 2001)

November 29, 2001
I know the vast majority of surgeons want their patients to go off NSAID's before surgery. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), and naproxen sodium (Alleve). These drugs inhibit enzymes that are needed for appropriate blood clotting, which isn't normally a problem but (naturally) could be in the case of surgery. I don't remember how long you have to be off them before the surgery, though. If you ask your surgeon, they should be able to tell you what to stay away from and for how long.
   — Kristy S.

November 29, 2001
I just got my pre-op instructions yesterday and this is what it says about medications: "Because they can cause an increased risk of blood clots following surgery, any estrogen preparation, including both birth control pills, must be stopped 2 weeks before surgery." I then called my OB/GYN to see whether I could just stop taking my Premarin or should wean myself off of it, and I was told I could just stop. I'm sure your surgeon and/or OB/GYN can give you instructions as to what they want you to do. Best of luck with your surgery.
   — Linda W.

November 29, 2001
My surgeon told me 12-27-01 to stop the naproxen immediately for my surgery on 12-20-2001. I can take Celebrex though. Also stop herbs & supplements. Ellen
   — Ellen L.

November 29, 2001
NSAIDS and aspirin product including aspirin need to be stopped as they can cause bleeding. You can continue to take tylenol. apparently there is a difference of opinion on estrogen. I take estradiol and was put on a patch to wear for the week of surgery. This prevented any menopause symptoms etc. I was grateful for this as I had hot flashes from the surgery and think that if I had other hormonal swings it would have made recovery harder. I would ask your doc about the patch I know they have one for Premarin. Also if you are tired of taking a pill made from pregnant mare urine you might want to ask or Dr about Estradiol, it is a more natural hormone and it was very easy to switch to from the premarin. I took premarin for about 8 years before switching and had no problems and feel better knowin I am not putting PMU in my mouth. Good luck!
   — [Anonymous]