When should I stop my blood thinners (coumadin, plavix, ticlid, aspirin, herbs)?
There are specific guidelines regarding when blood thinners (Coumadin/warfarin, low molecular weight heparin/lovenox, plavix, ticlid, aspirin, garlic, ginko,ginseng, etc.) should be stopped before surgery. Please make sure you reveal the use of these medications during pre-assessment so that the proper measures can be taken. If not, your procedure may be postponed until enough time passes so that the blood resumes normal clotting function. [TOP OF PAGE] Patients taking coumadin, heparin, or LMWH (Lovenox) will need to do lab work (PT/INR, PTT, platelets) to confirm that the blood’s ability to clot has returned effectively. Holding these anticoagulants for the recommended times may decrease bleeding complications that could occur. Regional anesthetic (epidural/spinal) requirements are more stringent in some cases; such techniques will probably be avoided if a bleeding tendency is suspected. For more information go to: http://www.asra.com/consensus-statements/2.
There are specific guidelines regarding when blood thinners (Coumadin/warfarin, low molecular weight heparin/lovenox, plavix, ticlid, aspirin, garlic, ginko,ginseng, etc.) should be stopped before surgery. Please make sure you reveal the use of these medications during pre-assessment so that the proper measures can be taken. If not, your procedure may be postponed until enough time passes so that the blood resumes normal clotting function. [TOP OF PAGE] Patients taking coumadin, heparin, or LMWH (Lovenox) will need to do lab work (PT/INR, PTT, platelets) to confirm that the blood’s ability to clot has returned effectively. Holding these anticoagulants for the recommended times may decrease bleeding complications that could occur. Regional anesthetic (epidural/spinal) requirements are more stringent in some cases; such techniques will probably be avoided if a bleeding tendency is suspected.
