Lovaza Perioperative Management
Lovaza (omega-3-acid ethyl esters) does not need to be discontinued prior to surgery, as it is not addressed in perioperative antithrombotic guidelines and lacks clinically significant anticoagulant or antiplatelet effects that would increase surgical bleeding risk.
Why Lovaza Does Not Require Discontinuation
Lovaza is not included in the American College of Chest Physicians perioperative antithrombotic management guidelines, which comprehensively address medications requiring preoperative discontinuation, including vitamin K antagonists, antiplatelet agents (aspirin, clopidogrel), and anticoagulants (heparin, LMWH) 1.
Omega-3 fatty acids have minimal impact on surgical hemostasis compared to true antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications that require specific discontinuation protocols 1.
The absence of Lovaza from established perioperative medication management protocols indicates it does not pose sufficient bleeding risk to warrant routine discontinuation 2.
Medications That DO Require Preoperative Management
For context, the following agents require specific perioperative protocols:
Aspirin: Continue in moderate-to-high cardiovascular risk patients; stop 7-10 days before surgery only in low-risk patients 1.
Clopidogrel/Prasugrel: Stop 5-7 days before surgery unless patient has recent coronary stent placement 1, 3, 4.
Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH): Stop 24 hours before surgery 6.
NSAIDs: Stop 1-10 days before surgery depending on the specific agent 3.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Do not confuse Lovaza with antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications that have established bleeding risks and require discontinuation protocols 1.
Do not unnecessarily discontinue Lovaza based on misconceptions about omega-3 fatty acids having clinically significant anticoagulant effects in the surgical setting 2.
Focus perioperative medication management on agents with documented bleeding risks rather than supplements or medications without established surgical complications 2.