Taking Supplements Before Surgery? Bring the Bottles to Your Care Team
Preparing for surgery? Learn what supplement information to share and why stopping and restarting products needs an individualized care-team plan.
When a surgical office asks what medicines you take, it is easy to list prescriptions and forget a sleep gummy, herbal capsule, or daily powder. Those products belong in the conversation too, even if you bought them without a prescription or do not take them every day. Dietary supplements can affect anesthesia or interact with medicines. The American Society of Anesthesiologists advises patients to tell the anesthesia team about all of them and bring their containers when possible.[1] This is useful preparation, not an invitation to stop everything on your own.
Make the list specific enough to use
For each product, record its full name, ingredients, amount taken, and frequency. FDA recommends keeping an up-to-date list of medicines and supplements and sharing it with health professionals.[2] A description such as "one herbal supplement" leaves important details unanswered. If the product has several ingredients, bring the label or a readable photograph of both the front and the ingredient panel. Include products used only occasionally, and note when you last took them if your care team asks. You can organize the information by when you take it: morning, evening, with exercise, or as needed. That is a practical way to remember items that may not be stored alongside your prescription bottles.
Why the anesthesia team needs to know
ASA explains that some supplements may affect bleeding, blood pressure, or the effects of anesthesia. The concern depends on the ingredients and the planned care; the word "natural" does not establish that a product is harmless around surgery.[1] FDA also notes that supplements can change how medicines are absorbed, broken down, or eliminated.[2] A product that was part of your usual routine may therefore need a different discussion when medicines and procedures are being added. This does not mean every supplement carries the same risk or that every patient needs the same instructions. It means the decision should be made with the team that knows the procedure and your medical history.
Ask for a written stop-and-restart plan
Contact the surgical or anesthesia team ahead of the procedure. Some products may need to be stopped in advance, but the timing should come from that team.[1] A general internet list cannot account for everything you take or the reason you take it. Ask these questions for each product the team wants changed:
- What is the last date I should take it?
- Does this instruction also apply to my other medicines, or only this product?
- Who will tell me when to restart it?
- What should I do if I have already taken it closer to surgery than planned?
Close the loop when plans change
Do not independently extend a supplement instruction to a prescribed medicine. FDA advises consulting a health professional before combining products or making changes to medication use.[2] If the procedure is postponed, or you start a new product after the preoperative visit, contact the team rather than assuming the old plan still applies. Keep their written instructions with the list you bring on the day of care. That makes it easier to explain what you actually took. If you need help organizing questions about your medications and supplements, contact Sierra Compounding Pharmacy. The surgical and anesthesia teams should provide the procedure-specific instructions, including when to stop and restart products.
This article provides general education and does not replace your surgical team's preparation instructions.
References
- 1. American Society of Anesthesiologists. Herbal and Dietary Supplements and Anesthesia. Patient information brochure. https://www.asahq.org/~/media/sites/asahq/files/public/resources/patient-brochures/asa_supplements-anesthesia_final.pdf?la=en
- 2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Mixing Medications and Dietary Supplements Can Endanger Your Health. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/mixing-medications-and-dietary-supplements-can-endanger-your-health
- Sources accessed October 7, 2026. Access date is not a source publication date.
Sierra Compounding Pharmacy Can Help
All compounded medications require a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. If your provider has determined that a customized compounded formulation is appropriate for your needs, Sierra Compounding Pharmacy — located in Rancho Cucamonga — is here to help. We serve patients throughout the Inland Empire, including San Bernardino County, Riverside County, and surrounding communities.
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Questions About Compounded Medications?
Sierra Compounding Pharmacy serves patients and providers throughout the Inland Empire. Contact us or ask your provider to send a prescription directly.