Herbal and Dietary Supplement Use and Anesthesia
Herbal and Dietary Supplement Use and Anesthesia
Americans spend more than $27 billion a year on herbal supplements and other “alternative medicines,” often without realizing how potent they can be. Unlike prescription medications, herbal remedies are not subject to government regulations, and their manufacturers do not have to prove efficacy or track side effects. The American Society of Anesthesiologists urges patients to tell their anesthesiologist about any medications they are taking, including all vitamins, herbal supplements and other alternative substances. These products can interfere with anesthesia and potentially cause complications during surgery. Be sure to bring all substances with you, prescription or over-the-counter, when you meet with your anesthesiologist before surgery and on the day of your procedure.
This video explains in detail the potential effects of herbal remedies on surgical patients. The ASA urges all patients to watch the video and discuss it with your primary physician and the anesthesiologist who will be responsible for your safety during surgery
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THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF ANESTHESIOLOGISTS
Anesthesiologists: Physicians providing the Lifeline of Modern Medicine TM. Founded in 1905, the American Society of Anesthesiologists is an educational, research and scientific association with more than 50,000 members organized to raise and maintain the standards of the medical practice of anesthesiology and improve the care of the patient.
For more information on the field of anesthesiology, visit the American Society of Anesthesiologists website at www.asahq.org.
For patient information, visit
LifeLineToModernMedicine.com
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