Blood-Thinning Medications and Surgery: What You Need to Know

Based on your medical history, your risk factors, and the type of medications you’re taking, your anaesthetist may advise you to adjust your medicines before surgery. Some medications can affect the way your blood clots, and this needs to be carefully managed to keep you safe during your procedure.

Antiplatelet medicines
Antiplatelet medicines — such as aspirin (sometimes called “baby aspirin”) — can be bought over the counter or prescribed. Depending on the type of procedure you’re having and the anaesthetic being used, you may be asked to stop these medicines in the lead-up to your surgery.

Anticoagulant medicines
Other medications known as anticoagulants, such as warfarin, apixaban, or dabigatran, directly affect your blood’s ability to clot. If you take one of these:

  • You may need extra monitoring of your blood levels before surgery.
  • Your anaesthetist may adjust the dose or ask you to stop the medication for a period of time.
  • Some patients may need to switch to an injectable form of blood thinner temporarily.

Your anaesthetist will work with your surgeon and healthcare team to carefully balance the risk of bleeding with the risk of clotting to keep you safe.

Anti-inflammatory medicines

Many common pain medicines you can buy without a prescription — such as ibuprofen (Nurofen) and other anti-inflammatories — can also affect how “sticky” your blood is.

  • If you take these medicines regularly as part of a pain management plan, make sure you discuss this with your GP and anaesthetist.
  • If you use them only occasionally, avoid taking them in the week before your procedure unless advised otherwise.

Final thoughts
Blood-thinning and anti-inflammatory medications need special attention before surgery. By following your anaesthetist’s instructions closely, you can help ensure that your procedure is as safe as possible.

 

Armadale Anaesthesia
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