Why stopping blood thinners is important before a procedure?
Have you ever wondered why your doctor asks you to stopping blood thinners, herbal supplements and/or NSAIDs before a procedure?
At Integrated Spine, Pain and Wellness we often get a lot of questions about why we are asking our patients to stop these medications. Blood thinners don’t just come as a prescribed medication, they can also be in the form of a supplement or over the counter medication. In this article we go into depth about what exactly blood thinners are and why it’s important to follow your doctor’s guidelines before and after your procedure.
What are blood thinners?
Blood Thinners- are certain medications prescribed by a physician to help people who have an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. By taking these medications it can help reduce a patient’s chance of having a heart attack or stroke.
Herbal Supplements– some herbal supplements can thin your blood and reduce how effectively your blood can clot. Talk to your doctor to find out which supplements need to be stopped before and after your procedure.
NSAIDs– are over the counter anti-inflammatory medications such as:
- ibuprofen
- naproxen
- diclofenac
- celecoxib
- mefenamic acid
- etoricoxib
- indomethacin
These over the counter medications can also thin your blood and have an affect on how well your blood clots.
When patients are asked to stop taking these medications before their procedure it’s because the blood thinners increase the risk of bleeding during the procedure. Increased blood production poses a risk and may increase the chances of complications during the procedure. When a patient is asked to stop taking these medications it’s to help keep them safe.
Before having any procedure done it’s important to speak with your physician and inform them of any and all medications that are being taken on a regular basis. You, your physician that prescribed the medication, and the doctor performing the procedure should all have a conversation to ensure that it’s safe for you to come off of your prescribed medication(s). Be sure not to stop taking any medications on your own and without your doctor’s consent.
For any questions regarding this article and topic, please reach out to us or talk to Dr. Ashu K. Goyle. We are here to answer any questions you may have. Our overall goal is to keep each and every patient safe and thriving.
Visit our website to find out about the treatments available at Integrated Spine, Pain and Wellness. At ISPW we accept insurance health plans offered by insurance providers like Humana, Cigna, Aetna and many more. Check out the full list here.
For more information or queries, please contact ISPW at www.ispwscottsdale.com or call 480-660-8823
Our address: 7425 E Shea Blvd. Suite 102 Scottsdale, AZ 85260.
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