|
< Back
Avoiding Herbal Supplements Before Surgery
An alert has been issued by the American Society of Anesthesiology to warn patients to stop taking herbal medicines at least two weeks before surgery. This alert is to prevent potentially dangerous interactions between herbs and drugs administered during surgery. The two weeks will allow time for the herbal medications to completely clear the body.
Most herbal medicine users never disclose to their physicians about the products they are taking because they consider them “natural” so they must be safe. The myth lies in the fact that herbal products are quite potent and can be dangerous -- especially if the patient’s anesthesiologist or surgeon does not know that the patient is taking them.
Did you know?
- St. John’s wort, taken by 7.5 million Americans to treat anxiety, depression and sleep disorders, may intensify or prolong the effects of some narcotic drugs and anesthetic agents.
- Ginko biloba is used by almost 11 million Americans to improve their memory and increase blood circulation, but may reduce platelets, which are needed for blood to clot.
- Ginseng, one of the most popular herbal preparations in the world, taken to boost vitality, has been associated with episodes of high blood pressure and rapid beating of the heart.
This potential interaction may also occur with drugs your physician may be prescribing. As a precaution, be sure to let your physician know what herbs you are taking. For a description of 50 common herbs and their potential interactions with regular drugs, please give us a call.
|
