PATIENT INFORMATION
Herbal medicines and supplements
Supplements and herbal products can affect bleeding, blood pressure, blood sugar, sedation or the way prescription medicines work. Some products contain several ingredients, and the exact contents may not always be obvious.
Why “natural” does not always mean “no effect”
Herbal and supplement products can have real effects on the body. Because they are often bought without a prescription, patients sometimes forget to mention them or do not think they count as medicines.
Products commonly asked about
The team may ask specifically about products such as ginkgo, garlic supplements, ginseng, fish oil, St John’s wort, high-dose vitamin E and turmeric supplements, as well as:
- Ayurvedic, Siddha, Unani and homeopathic preparations
- Bodybuilding, protein and pre-workout supplements
- Weight-loss products and teas
- Sleep aids and “calming” products
- Cannabis or CBD products
What to do
Bring the packet or a photograph of the ingredients label, and mention every product you take, even occasionally. The anaesthesia team can then decide whether any product needs to be stopped before the procedure and for how long.
Do not stop a product prescribed by another practitioner for a medical condition without discussing it with them and your surgical team.