Blood thinners are usually stopped before surgery, but the exact timing depends on the drug and the type of surgery. Common blood thinners listed in the sources include aspirin, warfarin, Coumadin, Xarelto, Eliquis, ibuprofen, naproxen, and some supplements like vitamin E, fish oil, garlic, ginger, ginseng, and turmeric. You should tell your surgical team about all medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements you take.

Typical timing from the sources:

• Warfarin is typically held 5 days before surgery.
• Direct oral anticoagulants like apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, and edoxaban are often held 2 days before higher-risk surgery, and some lower-risk procedures may use a shorter hold.
• P2Y12 inhibitors are typically held 5 to 7 days before surgery.
• Aspirin may be continued in some people with prior stents, unless the surgery is very high risk.

Some people are temporarily switched to a shorter-acting blood thinner that can be taken until a few hours before surgery. Blood thinners are usually restarted during recovery when the surgeon says it is safe. Verify the exact plan with your surgical or anesthesia team in case they want something different for you.