PARK RIDGE, Ill., (March 24 1999) -- The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is cautioning those who use herbal medications to stop taking these "natural" products if they are going to have surgery.
Recent findings disclose that seven out of 10 herbal medicine users never tell their physicians about the products they are taking. Most believe that since the products are "natural" they must be safe. ASA president John B. Neeld, Jr., M.D., however, cautions, "Just because a medicine is called 'natural' or 'herbal' does not mean it is harmless or completely safe." Many of these products are quite potent and can be dangerous, especially if the patient's anesthesiologist or surgeon does not know that the patient is taking them, he said.
Americans will spend about $5 billion this year on herbal products to treat such conditions as depression, to raise their energy level or to improve their memory. ASA is concerned that while the use of these products grew by 60 percent in a one-year period, they are not subject to Food and Drug Administration testing like prescription drugs.
ASA does not take a formal position on the therapeutic properties of herbal medications. "All we want to do is make the public aware that these products could pose a serious health risk if they are taken prior to surgery," Dr. Neeld said. A number of anesthesiologists have reported significant changes in heart rate or blood pressure in some patients who have been taking herbal medications. These herbal products include:
Dr. Neeld advises patients to stop taking herbal medicines at least two to three weeks before surgery. This should be enough time for the herbals to be cleared from the body. If there is not enough time to stop your herbal medication before your surgery, bring the product, in its original container, to the hospital so the anesthesiologist can see exactly what you are taking.
"While anesthesiologists have made anesthesia care in this country safer than ever before, it is very troubling to see our patients use products believing they will provide a health benefit but, in fact, may jeopardize their lives during surgery if they don't tell us they are taking them."
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) represents more than 35,000 physicians dedicated to patient safety and quality medical care. Founded in 1905, ASA is a scientific and educational association of anesthesiologists that was organized to advance the practice of anesthesiology and to improve the quality of care of the anesthetized patient. It is the largest organization of anesthesiologists in the world.
