What can mess up anesthesia?

Preparing for surgery: Why your medicine cabinet matters

Heading into the operating room requires careful preparation, and while most people focus on fasting or post-surgery recovery, what you take in the weeks leading up to your procedure is just as critical. One of the most important conversations you will have with your surgical team revolves around a simple question: Are you taking any medications that affect how your blood clots?

Blood thinners and common over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs—including everyday painkillers like ibuprofen and Advil—play a major role in how your body handles surgery. While these medications are great for managing daily aches or preventing cardiovascular events, they can pose serious risks when combined with anesthesia and surgical incisions. By keeping the blood from clotting normally, they significantly increase the danger of excessive bleeding during or after the procedure.

Because every surgical case is unique, never stop taking prescribed medications on your own. Instead, schedule a thorough medication review with your surgeon or proceduralist well in advance. Being completely transparent about your prescriptions, supplements, and daily pain relievers ensures your medical team can safely time any necessary pauses, protecting you from avoidable complications and setting the stage for a smooth recovery.