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Topic: Drugs, Information and Directions Answer:If you take prescription medication every day—for example, blood pressure, cholesterol, thyroid, diabetes, depression, or heart medication—it's important that you follow your doctor's directions. That includes not missing a single dose. But what if you are having laboratory tests, a procedure, or are scheduled for medical or dental surgery? You may be directed to not eat or drink for a certain period of time before and after. For example, if you are on an aspirin-a-day-regimen to prevent heart attack, you may be told to stop your aspirin product several days before surgery, as aspirin may prevent blood from clotting. Stopping certain medications abruptly is not advised, either, as a patient may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as from antidepressants. What to do? Communicate, communicate, communicate! As many as 25 percent of patients undergoing surgery take a maintenance medication. It's very important to be aware and proactive about managing your regimen when a lab test or surgery is scheduled. Usually, before scheduled tests, procedures, or surgery, doctors or hospitals give the patient a checklist or tip sheet with instructions to follow, but many patients often still have questions. If that's the case with you, be sure to ask your doctor questions like these: § Should I still take all my regular medications before my particular lab test, procedure, or before surgery? (Remember to make sure you tell your doctor about any other medications you take—whether oral, topical, or injectable; any prescribed by other doctors you see; as well as over-the-counter drugs. Also, mention any supplements you take, such as nutritional supplements or herbal products.) If you are scheduled for surgery, be sure to review your complete medication regimen in your preadmission conversations with hospital staff. § If I am not supposed to have food or drink the night before or morning of my test/surgery, can I still take my oral medicine with water? § If I am an inpatient after surgery, will I still receive my maintenance medication while in the hospital? § Will my medication and/or my regimen change as a result of my surgery? § Could my regular medication interact with any pain relief medication I may be given after surgery? Visit our Health Library to learn more about your upcoming surgery or medical procedure. Get more information about your medications. Register or log in to check drug interactions. View the Walgreens.com Ask a Pharmacist Archives for a list of all commonly asked questions. DISCLAIMER: The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment of your medical condition. Advances in medicine may cause this information to become outdated, invalid or subject to debate. Professional opinions and interpretations of the scientific literature may vary. Walgreens' terms of use and general warranty disclaimer apply to all services provided. If you are in need of immediate medical attention, contact your physician, poison control center or emergency medical professional. If you need to speak with a pharmacist for non-emergency matters, contact your local Walgreens pharmacist or call a Walgreens.com pharmacist toll-free at 1-877-250-5823. |
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