Ask the doctor: Is there a safe way to stop taking warfarin before surgery?
Q. I am a 79-year-old man with atrial fibrillation that is well controlled by Pacerone. I also take warfarin and aspirin to prevent stroke. I plan to have a tooth pulled next month and wonder if it is safe to go off the blood thinners. How are these medications handled when more serious surgery is needed?
A. Warfarin prolongs bleeding from a cut or wound, so most dentists ask their patients to stop taking it two or three days before having a tooth pulled. After the extraction, the medication is restarted once the bleeding has stopped. The procedure for more serious types of surgery usually involves stopping warfarin four to five days before the operation. For people with a low risk of stroke, stopping warfarin for a few days is safe.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
