Medication Information Regarding Your Surgery
Please read the important information below regarding medications and your surgery.
NSAIDs, Vitamins and Supplements
- Please STOP taking all NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): aspirin (Bayer, Ecotrin), Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), and Naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve) 14 days (2 weeks) prior to your surgery. Please ask about your use of aspirin, Plavix, Coumadin, or other blood thinners if you have had previous heart or cardiovascular problems. You may continue taking Tylenol (acetaminophen).
- Please STOP taking ALL vitamins and supplements, especially those containing Vitamin E, 14 days (2 weeks) prior to your surgery. This includes Multi-Vitamins and any form of diet pills including other supplements. You may continue taking all other prescription medications and glucosamine/chondroitin. You may resume all medications the day after surgery.
The reasoning behind the discontinuation of NSAIDs and Vitamin E is that there is a slight thinning effect of these substances on the blood. Good visualization is necessary during your surgical procedure and this can best be attained without unnecessary thinning of the blood.
What about the PAIN immediately after my surgery?
- NARCOTIC pain medications (e.g., Vicodin, Tylenol #3, Darvocet): Patients are usually given a prescription for narcotic medication to aid in pain relief following surgery. A prescription will be given to you either at the preoperative appointment or upon discharge from the hospital after surgery.
- CELEBREX: Dr. Farjo is also prescribing a medication called Celebrex for peri-operative pain and inflammation. Celebrex is a Cox-2 selective NSAID. This medication works to minimize pain, while not decreasing blood clotting like other NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, etc.).
Who gets this medication?
Most of Dr. Farjo's surgical patients will get a prescription for this medication. The only people who should not have this medication are those with a Sulfa drug allergy, a reaction to aspirin, those with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding/ulcer, those with severe kidney or liver disease, or those who are currently pregnant or nursing.
How much will it cost?
Less than $30. If your insurance does not cover the cost of this medication, or if you do not have any prescription coverage, it is your responsibility to pay for the medication. This medication is not a medical necessity, but is a valuable adjunct to other pain relieving methods.
How often do I need to take the pills?
All it takes is one Celebrex pill per day, starting 2 days prior to your surgery. Take for a total of 5 to 6 days, hopefully decreasing your need for narcotics) and minimize the short-term recovery from your upcoming surgery.