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If you are taking any blood thinners prior to surgery please discuss whether they need to be stopped or altered with you surgeon. We normally recommend the following:
- Warfarin – check that your INR blood test is less that 2.5 three to five days prior to surgery
- Clopidogrel (Plavix) – discontinue a minimum of seven days prior to surgery. Restart three days after surgery
- Pradaxa – discontinue a minimum of seven days prior to surgery. Restart three days after surgery
- Aspirin – discontinue a minimum of ten days prior to surgery. Restart three days after surgery
If you are taking Clopidogrel (Plavix) and Aspirin and have had coronary stints within the last twelve months, it is not safe to stop taking these blood thinners unless advised by your cardiologist. Please contact your cardiologist for advice
Herbal medication – please stop herbal medication two weeks prior to surgery
Diabetic medication – please ensure that your blood sugars are well controlled prior to and immediately after surgery.
Copyright © Dr. David Buckley
