Microsoft word - herbsplasticshandout02.doc

Herbs & Supplements
Over 60 million Americans use herbal medications and supplements on a regular basis. People who use herbal remedies tend to be well educated and want to take an active role in promoting their health, preventing and treating disease, and aging gracefully. Over half of the people who have elective surgery have used herbal supplements in their lifetime, and at least one-third use herbal remedies on a regular basis. Despite the fact that so many people use herbal medications and supplements, studies have found that less than 10% of all herbal supplement users inform their physicians before surgery. Often, people believe that since herbal medications and supplements are promoted as natural, they are safer and less likely to cause side effects than prescription medications. This is not always the case. The fact is that 30% of all modern, conventional medicines are derived from plants, and herbal supplements often have significant medicinal activity, as well as potential for adverse effects and drug interactions. Your surgeon needs to know if you have been using herbal medicines or supplements in order to prevent avoidable complications associated with common medications and stress on the This guide is designed to provide information about some of the most commonly used herbal medications and supplements in the United States and the complications associated with their use during surgery. If you use any herbal medication or supplement it is prudent to follow the general recommendation of the American Society of Anesthesiologists and discontinue their use 2-3 weeks before your scheduled surgical procedure. Ginko Biloba
Uses: improve memory,
Supplements
Surgical Complications:
Increase
Bleeding
Discontinue 36 hours
before surgery
Garlic Tablets
Uses: lowers blood pressure
increases the risk of infection, postoperative Surgical Complications:
Discontinue one week
before surgery
Uses: nausea, motion
Surgical Complications:
Discontinue one week
before surgery
Omega-3, EFA,
Uses: increases physical or
Flax & Fish Oil
Uses: rheumatoid arthritis,
Side Effects: insomnia,
Surgical Complications:
Surgical Complications:
Discontinue 2-3 weeks
Discontinue one week
before surgery
before surgery
Saw Palmetto
Glucosamine & Chondroitin
Use: male urinary
Use: osteoarthritis
Surgical Complications:
Surgical Complications:
Discontinue 2—3 weeks
before surgery
Discontinue 2-3 weeks
before surgery
Feverfew
Dong Quai
Use: migraines
Side Effects: may cause
Uses: menstrual &
Surgical Complications:
Surgical Complications:
Discontinue 2-3 weeks
before surgery
Discontinue one week
before surgery
Herbal Medications with Serious Complications
or Drug Interactions During Surgery
Ephedra/Ma Huang
Herbal Supplements
Uses: increase energy,
Which Increase
Side Effects: heart
Sedation
Surgical Complications:
interacts with anesthesia recovery from anesthesia. and can cause seizures, heart attack, or stroke Discontinue 24 hours
before surgery
St John’s Wort
Uses: mild depression,
Side Effects: sensitivity
Surgical Complications:
Valerian
Uses: sleep aid, mild
Discontinue 5 days
Surgical Complications:
before surgery
Uses: anxiety
Discontinue 1 week
Side Effects: “kava
before surgery
dermatopathy” causes red eyes, scaly skin, and Licorice
Uses: sore throat,
Surgical Complications:
Surgical Complications:
Discontinue 24 hours
before surgery
Discontinue 2—3 weeks
before surgery
Vitamin E
Some Herbal Supplements
Uses: protects the heart
are known to affect the
skin and may cause:
Sun Sensitivity
Surgical Complications:
or Allergic Rash
Discontinue 2—3 weeks before
Echinacea
Uses: stimulates immune
Side Effects: suppresses
Goldenseal
Uses: gastrointestinal and
Surgical Complications:
Surgical Complications:
Discontinue 2—3 weeks
Discontinue 2—3 weeks
before surgery
before surgery

Resources:

References:
Adusumilli PS, Ben-Porat L,
Patients.” J Am Coll Surg
Hospitals.” Anesth Analg
Perioperative Care.” JAMA
Supplements.” Plast
Reconstr Surg;
Geriatrics 2004;
Surgeon Must Know.” Arch
Facial Plast Surg 2001;
Dermatol Surg 2005;
Herbal Supplements.” J
Surg Research 2003;
“Top-10 List of Herbal and Supplemental Medicines Used by Cosmetic Patients: Needs to Know.” Plast
Reconstr Surg 2006;
117(2):436-445.

Source: http://columbiaplastics.org/06_HerbsPlastics.pdf