Is it ok to take allergy medications before surgery?

Question

I am having breast augmentation surgery 3/26/15. I am currently battling springtime allergies here in Oklahoma and am miserable if I do not take anything. I had my pre op today and told my doctor I have been taking Flonase and Allegra for the last few days. He indicated that it was ok. I know I am not suppose to take any anti-inflammatory medications and Flonase has a steroid in it. I would appreciate any other knowledge as I do not want any complications during or post op. Thank you.

Brian C. Reuben, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is ok to take allergy medications before and after surgery.  You will probably feel much better taking them than not!  Best of luck.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

What meds you can and cannot take preop really differ between procedure being performed, your own medical history, and the specific medication.  Definitely a good idea to check with your plastic surgeon and anesthesiologist to make sure that they "approve" of the use of these medications in your case preop.  Best of luck!

Eric Schaffer, MD, FACS · Answer

Generally taking over the counter allergy medications is safe prior to your Breast Augmentation.  If you experience any signs of infection or fever, please call your plastic surgeons office to inform them.  I usually recommend my patients to take 1000 mg of Vitamin C per day to help with immunity.  Good luck.

Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS · Answer

Always best to notify your surgeon as to what medications and supplements you are taking so they can let you know what should be discontinued or not. Sounds like both are ok to take.

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

It's a great question and congratulations on your surgery. It's important that each person only follow the specific recommendations from their surgeon. I ask my patients to not take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medication (aspirin, Aleve, ibuprofen), but I am fine with Flonase and allergy medication. Flonase is an inhaled steroid that should not have any significant effects that would harm a breast augmentation surgery.

Edward P. Miranda, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a great question to address with your board certified plastic surgeon at the pre-operative visit, but generally allergy medications are ok to use prior to surgery (obviously nothing the morning of surgery). Your surgeon should advise you on medications to stop taking prior to surgery.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Prescription and over the counter #medication use are not a matters that  surgeons or physicians than your own can advise on, without seeing you in-person or knowing your #medical history and surgical details. Therefore, its best to ask your surgeon this and about any additional medication use you have concerns about.

Clark Schierle, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Continuing a topical steroid like flonase is unlikely to have significant effects on your healing. Should be ok.

Garrett A. Wirth, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

I generally don't see a problem with patient's continuing there allergy medications before and after surgery.  I do like to make sure they have not had any recent "flareups" that causes them to take high-dose steroids, as this could have a negative impact on her outcome.  Best wishes. WirthPlasticSurgery.com

Mark D. Wigod, MD · Answer

The anti inflammatories to avoid are NSAID s like aspirin or Motrin. Allergy medication is usually okay. Consult with your surgeon.

Is it ok to take allergy medications before surgery?

Answers (13)