Question
I currently take Celebrex and Plaquenil for RA and am having surgery soon on my foot. Dr. told me to be off my meds. one week prior to surgery, but didn’t say how long afterward. What do you suggest?
Answer
Plaquenil does not need to be stopped for surgery so it can be restarted after the procedure. Although in studies Celebrex does not cause increased bleeding , unilke other older NSAIDs, some surgeons still advise to stop it to be safe. In general, Celebrex can be restarted the day after the procedure once the risk of bleeding is over. Talk to your surgeon.