Medicines

You should continue all medications unless instructed otherwise. You will generally be asked to stop aspirin, plavix (clopidigrel) 7 – 10 days prior to your surgery. If you have any queries about other medications, please contact the Perioperative Service on ph. 4215 1340.

On the day of surgery, it is important that you take all medications for high blood pressure, heart medications and those for indigestion with a small amount of water (even though you are fasting). Those medications that are taken for “fluid” are usually withheld. Diabetes medications are usually withheld; however, you should check with the nurses when you phone for your admission time.

When you phone for your admission time, you will be told which of your other medications you are able to take. Please have a list with you when you phone.

Please bring all of your medications with you on the day of surgery. These will be placed in a special bag, and will be given to you when you are discharged. Whilst you are in hospital, you will be provided with medications from the hospital pharmacy.

Depending on the surgery, and the time that it is going to be done, you may need to omit these medications on the day of surgery. Often, you will have an appointment to see an anaesthetist prior to your surgery to discuss your medications. Please ensure that you have notified the Perioperative Service if you are taking insulin or other diabetes medications, either by writing it on the health questionnaire or by contacting them on the number provided on your admission letter as soon as possible.

Generally, Warfarin needs to be stopped five days prior to surgery.

If it is necessary for your Warfarin to be stopped prior to surgery, an appointment will be made for you to see an anaesthetist so that they are able to determine if you can stop warfarin, or be given medication (injections) to replace this prior to your surgery. Please ensure that you have notified the Perioperative Service if you are taking Warfarin, either by writing it on the health questionnaire or by contacting them on the number provided on your admission letter as soon as possible.