Your medications may have to be adjusted before your procedure. It's crucial to tell your surgical team everything you're taking, including prescription pharmaceuticals, vitamins, minerals, herbal remedies, and any other dietary supplements. You might be able to take your morning meds with a sip of water even though you aren't eating.


Medications to discuss with your doctor:

  • Diabetes (blood sugar) medications
  • Blood thinning medications
  • Pain, anxiety, and depression medications
  • Nicotine, alcohol, marijuana, or other cannabidiol (CBD) products


Diabetes (blood sugar) Medications


Medications group

List of medications

Specific Instructions

Long-acting insulin

Lantus, Levemir, etc.

If you normally take this medication in the evening, take half of your usual dose the evening prior to your procedure; if you normally take this medication in the morning, take one-third your usual dose the morning of your procedure.

Short acting insulin

Humalog, Novalog, etc.

If you are taking short acting insulin (Humalog, Novalog, etc.), please hold this the morning of your procedure. 


Anticlotting (Blood Thinning) Medications

Continue taking your usual anticloatting (Blood Thinning) medications unless you have been notified otherwise. You will be receiving your medication instructions as text messages periodically.


Pain, anxiety, depression, or sleep Medications

These can affect your pain control plan and side effects from opioid use. Click here for more information.


Nicotine, alcohol, marijuana or cannabidiol (CBD) products (used for medicinal or recreational use)

Use of any of these products may affect your heart rate, blood pressure, and pain control during and after your procedure. 


Allergy instructions:

If you have a shellfish, iodine, or contrast dye allergy, please take one dose of oral methylprednisolone 32 mg 12 hours prior to the procedure. Prescription was sent to your pharmacy.

Drug allergy sufferers may experience symptoms whether they are using a liquid, tablet, or injectable form of medication. It's time to take charge and visit an allergist if you are confused about your symptoms and which drugs are safe for you to take.


Credits: Union Health. 


Reference: “Drug Allergies | Reactions, Symptoms and Treatment | ACAAI Public Website.” ACAAI Public Website, 13 Apr. 2022, acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/drug-allergies.