Can I Take My Regular Medications the Day of Surgery?
Your pre and post operative instructions will ask you to fast before your surgery - which means that you will not be able to take your daily regular medications (for example birth control pills or thyroid medication) in the morning before surgery. You will wait to take your medication until after your surgery - which could be late in the day depending on your surgery start time. For patients taking birth control pills - please consider this carefully from a family planning perspective and consider taking extra precaution both before and after the surgery to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.
When Will I Be Able to Take My Regular Medications?
This will depend what time your surgery finishes. You have the option to bring your regular medications with you to the surgery centre and take them once you have woken up in the recovery area. Enlisting the help of your surgery care taker is always a good idea. Make sure your caretaker knows where you have stored your medications (if they go with you to the surgery centre they will be locked inside your locker) and remembers to give them to you after you wake up. If your medications aren't critical and can wait until you get home, then leave them there - this will make your life a little more simpler with fewer things to think about at the surgery centre.
What About Vitamins, Supplements, Other Prescriptions and Over the Counter Medications?
Your pre and post operative instructions will provide a list of all vitamins, supplements and medications that you need to discontinue taking for some time before and some time after your surgery. You can find that list here.
Related resources
- Video: What Happens on Cast Removal Day
- FAQ: What Jewelry Can I Wear To My Rhinoplasty Surgery
- Video: Medications to Avoid After Rhinoplasty
- Video: How Long Do Stitches Last After Rhinoplasty
- FAQ: How To Explain Rhinoplasty To Your Kids
- Article: When Will I Be Ready For A Public Appearance After Rhinoplasty
- Checklist: Rhinoplasty Recovery Checklist One Month Before Surgery
