Vascepa may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions. Tell your doctor ALL the medicines and natural health products you take. One trial showed that 12% of people receiving Vascepa experienced a bleeding event and in 3% of people, this bleeding event was severe. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids and other ingredients. Here are a few tips that might help guide your discussion: Remember, your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. Fish oil supplements can contain natural forms of oils from one or a variety of fish, including mackerel, salmon, trout, and tuna. In this situation, patients are often prescribed unnecessary antibiotics when a bowel movement could be the simplest solution. Unsaturated fats and oils from plants and fish bring down triglycerides. Use Vascepa as directed by your doctor. Find patient medical information for Vascepa oral on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings and user ratings. gout *. Find out everything you need to know about weight loss drugs in our prescription weight loss pill guide. By only containing EPA, Vascepa reduces high triglycerides without raising levels of bad cholesterol or LDL-C. Vascepa is also up to four times stronger than most OTC fish oils, more expensive, carries a higher risk of bleeding and heart rythym disturbances, and is only available on prescription to people who meet certain criteria. Some of these medicines have to be stopped a few days before surgery. Your doctor may ask you to take Vascepa with a statin, a drug that helps decrease cholesterol. Physical activity and regular exercise lowers triglycerides. Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) is a prescription omega-3 fatty acid that is similar to fish oil but not exactly the same. And they want you to get the best care possible. Started in 1995, this collection now contains 6407 interlinked topic pages divided into a tree of 31 specialty books and 722 chapters. This is because it is more likely to cause heart rhythm disturbances, thin the blood, or increase the risk of bleeding than supplemental varieties. Read on to learn more about Vascepas uses, side effects, and more. if you are allergic to fish or shellfish. May be given in addition to diet to adults with extremely high triglyceride levels ( 500 mg/dL) in addition to dietary changes aimed at reducing cholesterol intake. Elizabeth Cumberland is a nurse practitioner in Anesthesiologyin Mankato, Minnesota. Having a history of allergic reactions to icosapent ethyl, any of Vascepas other ingredients, or fish is a contraindication of Vascepa. This allows us to use effective medications to control your pain after surgery. For years, doctors have advised patients to stop taking fish oil before surgery. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. Vascepa is a prescription medication used to: help lower blood levels of triglycerides in adults with certain conditions help lower the risk of heart problems in certain people Vascepa is not. A preoperative physical exam helps your surgical team determine if you are healthy enough to undergo anesthesia and surgery. Use the medicine exactly as directed. 11. Vascepa is a prescription, high purity eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA - a type of omega-3 fatty acid), that may be used to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease in people with high triglyceride levels and diabetes or cardiovascular disease, or who are already taking the maximum dose of statins. It is not known whether icosapent will harm an unborn baby. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Vascepa should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed. It contains the active ingredient icosapent ethyl, which is a kind of omega-3 fatty acid. Frontiers in Microbiology, 9, 1241. Vascepa is thought to work by reducing the production of triglycerides by the liver and enhancing their clearance from lipid particles, via several different mechanisms. The man was sent to the intensive-care unit for close monitoring. You may even feel anxious, confused or scared. Categories large black pillows for couch; Posted by ; car phone holder charger iphone . (A contraindication is a factor or condition that could prevent your doctor from prescribing a drug due to risk of harm.) Advil Aleve AlkaSeltzer Anacin Anaprox Ansaid Argesic Arthritis pain formula Arthropan Liquid Ascriptin Asperbuf It's important to have a healthy lifestyle before starting Lovaza or Vascepa. Move every day. If still 1.5 discuss with Surgeon / Anaesthetist. Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Other treatments for lowering triglyceride levels, such as fibrates, may also cause hair loss. Vascepa reduces triglyceride production in the liver and enhances the clearance of triglycerides from lipid particles, via a number of different mechanisms. Furthermore, studies indicate that when patients receive a sufficient daily dose of omega-3 fish oil, it tends to limit their need for painkillers. In addition, data suggests that getting an effective omega-3 dose can make a difference on you road to recovery. Because it is prescription-strength, it is only available on a prescription written by a doctor to people with abnormally high triglyceride levels. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Youll take 4 gm of Vascepa per day. Some medications you can skip just a day ahead of time, but others, like fish oil, you usually need to avoid long before you go under the knife. And, By now youve probably heard of the many benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for a, Vitamin D has made headlines many times these last few years of the pandemic. If you notice any unusual bruising or bleeding; lightheadedness; red or dark, tarry feces; or you cough or vomit up fresh blood or your sputum looks like it contains coffee grounds, seek immediate medical attention. And as the above research demonstrates, consuming omega-3s from fish oil prior to surgery is similarly safe, unless a person has a bleeding disorder or is on lots of blood thinning medications. apple juice), Not allowed as clear liquid: Milk, milk products or, No clear liquids within 2 hours of surgery, Includes orange juice, soda, infant formula and milk, No fried foods, fatty foods or meats within 8 hours of surgery, Exceptions - cardiovascular medications to stop, Risk of withdrawal when abruptly stopped perioperatively, Despite case reports of infection and delayed healing risks, Oral diabetes medications are typically held on the day of surgery (see below), Medications associated with bleeding risk, Short-acting agents: Stop 1 day before surgery, Mid-acting agents: Stop 3 days before surgery, Long-acting agents: Stop 10 days before surgery, Do not stop antiplatelet agents without carefully reviewing indications and minimum duration from stenting, Cardiology should be consulted before stopping P2Y agents in post-stenting patients, Stop at least 5 days before surgery if no contraindication to stopping, Stop at least 7 days before surgery if no contraindication to stopping, Restart 24 hours after procedure or per surgeons discretion, Patients with high thrombosis risk (e.g. It is unknown if people with allergies to fish or shellfish have an increased risk of allergy with Vascepa. These are known as drug-condition interactions. Side effects include stomach upsets and muscle and joint pain. No. For information about the generic form of Vascepa, talk with your doctor. During the week before their scheduled surgeries, more than 1500 patients were randomly assigned to take either a placebo or 6.5 to 8g of EPA/DHA. If you take other types of diabetes drugs, follow your provider's instructions if you need to stop the drug before surgery. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Do I need to store Vascepa in the refrigerator? American Journal of Surgery, 214(4):733-737. Its recommended that you take Vascepa with food. Before you take Vascepa, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, diabetes, a thyroid disorder, pancreas problems, a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder, an allergy to fish or shellfish, or if you drink large quantities of alcohol. A copy of your advance directive or living will, if you have one. But, It started with a runny nose and a slight cough. Despite this, having a history of an allergic reaction to fish is a contraindication of Vascepa. Drug class: miscellaneous antihyperlipidemic agents. (2018). Melatonin & COVID-19: Can This Sleep Hormone Help. Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood (called a lipid). Elective surgery should be postponed beyond these periods, whereas vital, semiurgent, or urgent operations should be performed under continued dual antiplatelet therapy. It's not the doctor's job to judge you or report you to . Recovering from surgery is typically a long and painful process, even under the best conditions. very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) triglycerides. On the flip side, research suggests fish oil could have benefits for patients before and after operations. Click on the image (or right click) to open the source website in a new browser window. You may have received this information at your preoperative physical exam in the POE clinic. Vascepa contains the active ingredient* icosapent ethyl, which is a modified form of an omega-3 fatty acid called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Find answers to some commonly asked questions about Vascepa. The microbiome the name used to describe the bacteria that live in and on us can either support or hurt our health, depending on the composition and types of germs. Association of Use of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids With Changes in Severity of Anxiety Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. A healthy diet low in sugar, alcohol, and unhealthy fats can help lower triglycerides. Expert Opinion: Omega-3 fatty acids and bleedingCause for concern? Fish Oils and Bleeding: Is There a Clinically Significant Risk? Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the surgery and how soon to do it. Vascepa is available in two strengths: 0.5 gram capsules and 1 gram capsules. Standing all day at work? Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. VASCEPA was associated with an increased risk (12% vs 10%) of bleeding in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. If you take too much Vascepa, your doctor may closely monitor you for signs and symptoms of overdose. recent, Minor procedures: Dental, dermatologic and, Restart 12 hours after procedure or per surgeons discretion, Consider doubling days of cessation prior to surgeries with high risk of bleeding, Restart 24 hours after surgery (72 hours after surgery if high bleeding risk), Stop at least 1-2 days before procedure (longer if, Ideal to stop at least 1 month before surgery, Stop at least 1 week before procedures at high risk for, Hold for NPO period as well as the AM of surgery, Hold for 3 days prior to surgery (risk of, Resume when oral intake returns to normal, Hold at least 24 hours prior to surgery (due to theoretical, Avoiding within 11 hours, reduces risk of immediate post-induction, Ophthalmologists can take preventive measures at surgery if they know of, As a long-acting medication, stopping the medication immediately before the procedure will not alter the risk, Stay moving in the post-operative period (within 2-3 days of procedure - incorporate PT/OT), Stop at time of surgery due to instructions that are difficult to follow perioperatively (e.g. patients treated with antiplatelet drugs and fish oil, sufficient daily dose of omega-3 fish oil, Fresh Fish Oil: Why It Matters to Your Health.. Usual Adult Dose for Hypertriglyceridemia: 2 g orally twice a day with food If you do experience an allergic reaction after taking Vascepa, discontinue it immediately, and seek immediate medical attention. Read on to find out more about these factors. Stop taking VASCEPA and tell your doctor right away or get emergency medical help if you . 1 0 obj
* An active ingredient is what makes a drug work. The following should be avoided for at least 10 days before AND after surgery: A.S.A. In those with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), the risk of events decreased by 35% after 4.9 years. When platelets attach to one another, they form blood clots. No. Vascepa is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old. Talk with your doctor if youd like to know about taking generic icosapent ethyl. should i stop vascepa before surgery. Adprin-B products. Your surgical team will determine if a physical exam is required before your surgery. Serious side effects of Vascepa that have been reported include: Some people may have an allergic reaction to Vascepa. Vascepa works by lowering how much fat your liver produces. 1. The health benefits of fish oil supplements and Vascepa may be different. How long you stay in the PACU is determined by the anesthetic you received, the time it takes for you to wake up, and room assignment if you are staying overnight in the hospital. In those with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), the risk of events decreased by 35%. Have questions? Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) capsules are the first FDA approved EPA only Omega-3 fatty acid. This is because its unknown whether Vascepa helps lower the risk of pancreatitis in people with severely high triglycerides. There are no documented reports that Vascepa helps with weight loss. If its hard for you to read the label on your prescription, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Anecdotally, some blogs report weight loss with Vascepa, but this tends to correlate with the person experiencing excessive diarrhea or gastrointestinal discomfort as a side effect, which can be intolerable in some people, forcing discontinuation of Vascepa. If you have high triglyceride levels, your doctor may recommend Vascepa. The efforts to analyze the hypothetical bleeding risk of omega-3s have been ongoing for years. Docosahexaenoic Acid Inhibits Helicobacter Pylori Growth In Vitro and Mice Gastric Mucosa Colonization. Heparin has to be stopped 4-6 hours before your colonoscopy. Replace these instead with vegetables and whole grains. 7. Is It Good to Store Fish Oil in the Freezer? This is not the case with Vascepa, because it is not a fish oil. For most people who are taking Coumadin (Warfarin) for chronic heart rhythm problems (like atrial fibrillation) it is usually safe to stop it for four (4) days prior to the procedure. If youre pregnant or considering pregnancy, tell your doctor before starting Vascepa. Follow these tips to prevent heart disease. You may have questions about Vascepa and your treatment plan. Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Cardiac Surgery Patients: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Usual Adult Dose for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction: Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. There are no documented reports that Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) helps with weight loss. Light to moderate alcohol consumption may lower the amount of triglycerides in your blood. Tapering can help reduce or eliminate withdrawal signs and symptoms. Before taking Vascepa, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter types. The increase in hospitalization risk seen with Vascepa was small vs the survival gains seen from decreased rates of heart attack, stroke, and revascularization, noted Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH . eGmwUaP6-EU If you have an allergic reaction to Vascepa, talk with your doctor immediately. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Clinical Nutrition, 37(3):948-957. These issues can affect your surgery and your treatment. For more information about the drugs dosage, see the What is Vascepas dosage? section above. Try looking up a doctor, a clinic location, or information about a condition/treatment. Scientific Reports, 5, 11276. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. You should refer to the prescribing information for Vascepa for a complete list of interactions. Avoid white bread, white rice, chips, and sugar-laden foods and drinks. * To learn more about this side effect, see the Allergic reaction section below. Coumadin - discuss this with the prescriber as to the best time to stop this medication before surgery. Amigesic. "Eating healthy is always important, but even . Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. No, liver-related side effects werent reported in studies of Vascepa. The authors found that omega-3 supplementation was associated with fewer post-surgical infections, as well as a shorter hospital stay (5). Vascepa comes as a capsule that you swallow. Signs and symptoms of withdrawal include: Runny nose, watery eyes and yawning. NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - There is no need to interrupt antiplatelet therapy before tooth extractions, as long as appropriate local hemostatic measures are taken, according to results of a prospective study conducted at the Aristotle University Dental School in Thessaloniki, Greece. If you have hypertriglyceridemia (high triglyceride levels), your doctor may prescribe Vascepa or Lovaza with a low fat diet to decrease your triglyceride levels. While Vascepa can make you bleed more easily, its uncertain whether this side effect is significant with Vascepa. If you need to take both drugs, your doctor will check you for bleeding during Vascepa treatment. Kaliannan, K. et al. Your pharmacist may also recommend tools to help make it simpler to open the drugs container. Slip-on walking shoes or nonskid slippers. Here are a few questions you might want to ask your doctor about Vascepa: For more information about treatment options and lifestyle changes that might help lower your triglycerides, see these articles: For advice on improving and managing your heart health, subscribe to Healthlines online newsletter. 13. (An active ingredient is what makes the drug work.) Your surgeon will tell you how far ahead of time to stop your medication. Also, arrange for children or family members who require supervision to stay at home during your surgery. Do not take more capsules than what is prescribed by your doctor. Medically reviewed by Sophia Entringer, PharmD. If youre breastfeeding or considering breastfeeding, tell your doctor before starting Vascepa. $-Sx*5=z{|kX.ldJ\
*kT1~)YMt2^rg|@GlE+n2R/vY2k,qtE M+Zb{RjFJZKIGhDR8>-xAvh(5 But Vascepa is also used to help lower the risk of heart problems in certain people. Before taking Vascepa, tell your doctor about all medications you may be taking. 3. Patients should engage in appropriate nutritional intake and physical activity before receiving VASCEPA, which should continue during treatment with VASCEPA. All current insurance cards, pharmacy and drug benefit cards, medical device identification cards, and driver's license or other photo identification card. Dr. Chalmers practiced medicine for many years, serving both at high-tech hospitals and as a community health worker in rural Norway. Vascepa will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol lowering diet plan. A general rule is to stop taking these potentially unsafe preparations at least two weeks prior. New studies, however, have extensively documented that taking omega-3 supplements before operations not only appears to be safe, but may even be highly beneficial. Heres a short list of some of the mild side effects that Vascepa can cause. Can Vascepa cause any long-term side effects. TNF agents) lowers the risk of, Agents are stopped 1-2 weeks before procedure and resumed 2-4 weeks after surgery, Consult with orthopedics and rheumatology regarding specific medications and patient risk factors, Safest overall strategy due to numerous combination products, Specific agents with known risk in the perioperative period, Gingko (discontinue at least 36 hours before surgery), Danielson (2012) ICSI: Preoperative Evaluation. 4. 0,00 . JAMA Network Open, 1(5), e182327. Muscle and joint pain, swelling of the hands, legs, or feet, constipation, mouth or throat pain, or gout, are the most common side effects of Vascepa. (2012). Limiting heavy foods and avoiding big meals can help you feel better before and after the procedure. This is not the case with Vascepa because it is not a fish oil. Also, describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. (2018). As a result, such supplements may also contain certain toxins found in fish. If you consume alcohol, ask your doctor how much is safe for you to drink while taking Vascepa. Yes, Vascepa does thin your blood, and people receiving Vascepa are at a slightly increased risk of bleeding with one trial showing 12% of people receiving Vascepa experienced a bleeding event compared with 10% of people receiving a placebo (an inactive pill). 2.2 Dosage and Administration. chest pressure, racing or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, feeling short of breath. Available for Android and iOS devices. Vascepa is a brand (trade) name for icosapent ethyl, a high purity eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which is an ethyl ester of omega-3 fatty acid and is obtained from the oil of fish. Alka-Seltzer products. Icosapent is used to lower the risk of heart complications such as dying from heart disease, heart attack, or stroke; hospitalization for unstable angina; or the need for certain types of heart surgery. Vascepa is also associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter requiring hospitalization (occurs in 3% of patients taking Vascepa compared with 2% of those taking placebo). These effects are called interactions. Experience the Omega3 Innovations difference for yourself with the most effective fish oil supplement on the market. While these emotions are normal and expected, there are things you can do to feel more comfortable and calm your nerves. They can help determine the cause of these side effects and recommend treatments that may help. If you miss a dose of Vascepa, take it as soon as you remember. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 34(2), 182189. You can take four 0.5-gm capsules twice each day or two 1-gm capsules twice each day. should i stop vascepa before surgery. Each patient and surgery is unique. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Uses: Ask them what other medications are better options for you. Tell your doctor if you are also using aspirin, clopidogrel, or a blood thinner (including warfarin). Read on to find out more about healthy cholesterol levels, and if a cholesterol level of 250 ml/dL is considered, Heart disease is a top cause of death in the U.S. HRT and Surgery. Your surgical team will determine if a physical exam is required before your surgery. Any special equipment that you use, such as a cane, walker or continuous positive airway pressure machine (CPAP), as well as ostomy or insulin pump supplies. Because of the blood-thinning drug he took to prevent strokes, it would be hard for his blood to coagulate and stop the flow. Praluent, Ozempic, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, Xarelto, Trulicity, fenofibrate, Crestor, Victoza, Brilinta. But since it changes the way blood clots, it can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. Together with Dr. Martinsen, she later co-founded Wellpride LLLP dba Omega3 Innovations and is the joint holder of several patents that facilitate the ingestion of multiple medication combinations. Icosapent is used. fast or irregular heartbeats, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, fainting, or if you feel light-headed; or. Nobody tells patients to stop eating fish. For more about the differences between Vascepa and fish oil, see the What should I know about Vascepa vs. fish oil? section above. Vascepa is much more expensive than OTC fish oils, costing around $300 per month without insurance. If you think your liver function is getting worse during treatment, talk with your doctor immediately. Dosage And Administration. In clinical trials, over 45% of trial participants were aged 65 years and over. If you think your liver function is getting worse, talk with your doctor immediately. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. This article presents 8 foods that may help lower triglyceride, Heart health is a key to overall health and can be greatly affected by a few simple lifestyle changes. The risk of atrial fibrillation is greater in those with a previous history of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. Vascepa is a capsule that you swallow. The research surrounding the microbiome is changing our understanding of disease prevention today. Updated 09/2021. <>
But it can block platelets, a kind of blood cell, from bunching up in your blood. Most patients stay here for at least two hours after their surgery is complete. A 2018 study co-authored by Dr. William Harris also investigated the risk of bleeding during cardiac surgeries. Vascepa may be taken with or without food. A list of materials or medications that you are allergic to or that have caused adverse reactions, such as latex or iodine. Decrease your use of narcotic pain medications as much as possible. They may be able to put Vascepa in an easy-open container. In addition, fish oil also diminishes the amount of pro-inflammatory endotoxins produced by harmful bacteria (10). Key takeaways: Aspirin is an important daily medication for a lot of people. A mechanism of action is how a drug works. It is used in addition to exercise and diet modification. >_QV4NUo=w_|"w@6\? kM;}l;T }. What should you take ? Follow all directions carefully. Studies also show that omega-3 fish oil intake is also useful in avoiding one of the biggest post-surgical complications: constipation. Bring someone with you to your appointment if doing so will help you feel more comfortable. 9m|ZSImU8;Si?j :X_5M`U[!4G!GwZ^C'CC[x
-_ZV2h(/\$kQ7? Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine. You should also be following a healthy lifestylesuch as getting moderate exercise and following a healthy dietbefore and while taking Vascepa. We strongly recommend stopping these drugs five to seven days before surgery to reduce your risk of bleeding, but discussion with your cardiologist and surgeon is advised. If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. If youre concerned about weight loss or hair loss during Vascepa treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Can I take both fish oil supplements and Vascepa? Fish Oil and Perioperative Bleeding. should i stop vascepa before surgery. yellowing of the skin, whites of the eyes, and nails. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. Call your doctor if you think youve taken too much Vascepa. Vascepa is available as the generic drug icosapent ethyl. The daily dose of VASCEPA is 4 grams per day taken as either: . Researchers are constantly working on new ways to address high cholesterol and support heart health. They may check you for bleeding during treatment. Vascepa is used together with other medicines (such as statins) to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and some types of heart problems that need hospitalization in adults. Fish Oil LC-PUFAs Do Not Affect Blood Coagulation Parameters and Bleeding Manifestations: Analysis of 8 Clinical Studies with Selected Patient Groups on Omega-3-Enriched Medical Nutrition. These actions help lower the amount of triglycerides in people with high levels of this substance, which is one reason why doctors prescribe Vascepa. If you don't have a physical exam before surgery, a member of the anesthesia team will meet with you on the day of your surgery to answer questions and gather information about your overall health. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience Fish oil supplements can contain natural forms of oils from one or a variety of fish, including mackerel, salmon, trout, and tuna. But, you absolutely want to avoid smoking weed before surgery. Aspirin, Motrin, Aleve, Advil, Ibuprofen, and Pepto-Bismol all contain agents that will thin your blood and cause surgical complications. Aka: Preoperative Guidelines for Medications Prior to Surgery, Preoperative Fasting Recommendation, Nothing by Mouth Prior to Surgery Guideline, Perioperative NPO Guidelines, Perioperative Medication Guidelines, Medication Management in the Perioperative Period, Medications to Avoid Prior to Surgery Surgery Pharmacology Chapter Anesthesia (2015). Open Heart, 5(2), e000946. 9. One review analyzed the effects of omega-3 supplementation on pre- and post-surgery colon cancer patients. Stomach cramps. Always consult your healthcare provider first. Yne!q:#gYt:XnOwS?,8I6~**`@`?us\qh]?7+.DV=Pu?4`Al.9iu@"uP:zh5JW Y=|: C@g ,20 10. Medications to Avoid Before Surgery Some medications contain aspirin and/or have effects that may cause more bleeding and bruising. Costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. Atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. Talk with your cardiologist (heart doctor) before you stop taking any aspirin product or clopidogrel (Plavix). This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. VASCEPA is a prescription medicine used: along with certain medicines (statins) to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and certain types of heart issues requiring hospitalization in adults with heart (cardiovascular) disease, or diabetes and 2 or more additional risk factors for heart disease. Version: 3.01. In no case should you medicate yourself with any drugs (even if they are not listed here) without the knowledge of your primary care physician and your surgeon.