Make a list of all medications you have taken for your surgeon.

Some medications can interact, causing harmful effects during or after surgery. Informing your surgeon of any over-the-counter medications or prescriptions you take will allow them to monitor and prepare for any potential drug interactions.

· All medicines including vitamins and herbal supplements should be taken down in notes including the dosage and the frequency on how many times you’re taking them per day.

· Additionally, take note of any dietary supplements that may not immediately come to mind as medications.

· Vitamins and supplements such as vitamin E, gingko biloba, and garlic can increase your risk for bleeding.

· Herbal supplements such as Kava, St. John’s wort, and Valerian can interfere with the medicines that are used for anesthesia.

· Stop taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 3-4 days prior to surgery. NSAIDs can cause excessive bleeding due to their blood-thinning properties. For this reason, it is always recommended that you stop taking these drugs at least three days prior to surgery.

· NSAIDs include medication such as ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol).

· However, some NSAIDs can still be continued, as they do not cause the blood to thin. These include non-acetylated salicylates such as salsalate, diflusinal, and magnesium trisalycylate.

· In any case, follow the advice of your doctor or surgeon.