HIDDEN DANGERS

If you are planning to have elective surgery, it is very important to tell us about any and all herbal remedies that you are taking. Many patients fail to tell their doctors about supplements for a number of reasons. Many do not think of these products as medicine, and they believe the use of them, to be unimportant. Others are intimidated and afraid of what their doctors may say to them. However, we need to know everything you are taking- not just prescription drugs. Some supplements adversely affect surgery.

Please tell us if you are taking any of these supplements:

Among the herbal supplements to discontinue at least two weeks prior to surgery and two weeks after your surgery.

Bilberry, Contains compounds called anthocyanosides, and flavonoid compounds that strengthen blood vessels, improve circulation and can be useful in treating eye disorders. Bilberry can affect blood cells called platelets and may increase bleeding.

Cayenne, Also know as red pepper, cayenne lowers levels of cholesterol in the blood, which can help lower blood pressure. Cayenne may affect platelets and an overdose can cause a significant drop in body temperature.

Dong Quai, An all-purpose women's herb used to provide energy and regulate female hormones. An active constituent in Dong Quai is a Coumadin-like compound, which may increase existing anticoagulant (blood thinning) medications.

Echinacea may impact the liver when general anesthesia is used.

Feverfew, from the Latin word, febrifuge, which means fever-reducing, the herb is used mainly to treat migraine headaches. Feverfew may increase bleeding, especially in patients taking certain blood-thinning medications.

Fish Oil, The Omega-3 essential fatty acids found in fish oil are beneficial for lowering blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels and reducing the risk of heart disease. Fish Oil has blood thinning properties which can be problematic during surgery.

Yohimbe, (the natural Viagra®) and licorice root, which also have MAO effects and increase the potency of the anesthetic.

Gingko Biloba, a powerful anticoagulant is considered to be three times stronger than vitamin E.

Ginger, garlic, cayenne and bilberry have antiplatelet activity and may inhibit clot formation.

Ginseng has been associated with episodes of hypertension and tachycardia.

Melatonin decreases the amount of anesthesia needed for surgery.

St. John's Wart, which has a mild monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitory effect and may intensify the effects of anesthesia.

Aloe, used topically, can cause contact dermatitis, and when ingested, can create low potassium levels.

PC-SPES, used for prostate cancer, has a definable incidence of deep vein thrombophlebitis.

Some supplements can be useful after surgery

Arnica Montana and Bromoline, a pineapple extract are substances that reduce bruising and swelling in the face and other places on the body where liposuction was performed.

After breast implant surgery, vitamins C, B complex and E are useful.

For more information...

National Institutes of Health, office of dietary supplements

Food and Drug Administration

Med Watch

American Botanical Council