If your on medication, when should you stop taking it before surgery?

The use of medications around surgery depends on the condition being treated. Certain chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, thyroid problems, etc. require that you continue your medications. Others like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents for arthritis should be stopped to reduce the risk of bleeding. Diabetics sometimes have their medications adjusted.  Your specific situation should be discussed with your surgeon and anesthesiologist. Best wishes.

Generally I asked patient's to stop any blood thinners 3 weeks prior to surgery.  Blood thinners found in over-the-counter medications include aspirin-containing products, ibuprofen containing products like Motrin, Advil, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Aleve and prescription naproxen etc. other supplements to have patient stop taking that could also thin out the blood are vitamin E, ginkgo, large amount of garlic and red wine.  I also recommend that the patient stop all supplements that are used for body building including steroids.  Generally prescription medications that the patient is on is not a problem as long as he does not contain blood thinners.It is very important to go over all the medications you take with your surgeon,so that he and the anesthesiologist a well aware of her medical conditions beforehand.