Review Joint Replacement Class Video
Re-watch to refresh your understanding of what to expect.
Final Preparations: 1-2 Weeks Before Surgery
Medications - Important Instructions
Important: Please follow these instructions carefully. Failure to stop medications as directed may result in your surgery being postponed.
Immunosuppressant Medications or Steroids
Some may be continued through surgery and others need to be held for a period of time before and after surgery. Please notify your surgeon to discuss a specific plan for you.
Blood Thinners
Different blood thinners require different timing for stopping before surgery:
Stop 7 days before
Aspirin
Plavix (clopidogrel)
Plavix (clopidogrel)
Stop 5 days before
Coumadin (warfarin)
Stop 3 days before
Eliquis (apixaban)
Xarelto (rivaroxaban)
Xarelto (rivaroxaban)
GLP-1 Medications for Diabetes or Weight Loss
Skip dose on day of surgery
If taken daily
Skip dose 1 week before
If taken weekly
GLP-1 Medications Include:
Trulicity (dulaglutide)
Byetta (exenatide)
Bydureon (exenatide ER)
Victoza (liraglutide)
Saxenda (liraglutide)
Ozempic (semaglutide)
Rybelsus (semaglutide)
Wegovy (semaglutide)
Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
Zepbound (tirzepatide)
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Stop 7 days before
Advil / Motrin (ibuprofen)
Aleve (naproxen)
Celebrex (celecoxib)
Aleve (naproxen)
Celebrex (celecoxib)
Vitamins and Supplements
Stop 7 days before
All vitamins and supplements
Pre-Surgery Nurse Call: A pre-surgery nurse will call you 3-5 business days before your scheduled surgery to review your health history and medication list. If you have any questions, you can also reach a pre-surgery nurse at the following numbers:
- Petaluma Valley Hospital: (707) 778-2695
- Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital: (707) 525-5347
Skin Preparation
The most common source of infection is from bacteria that are normally found on your skin, so it is important to prepare your skin before surgery to help minimize this risk.
Hibiclens Washes – Start 5 days before surgery
Shower daily for 5 days before surgery and on the morning of surgery. Use a clean washcloth to apply Hibiclens soap to your entire body from the neck down, but avoiding any private or sensitive areas. Leave the soap on for 2-3 minutes before rinsing. Do not wash with your normal soap after the Hibiclens soap and do not put on any deodorants, lotions, or oils after showering.
Hibiclens soap will be provided to you at your preoperative appointment.
Nasal Decolonization – Start 5 days before surgery
Mupirocin ointment helps to eliminate bacteria (such as Staph aureus) that naturally live in your nose. Apply a pea-sized amount to the inside of each nostril, then gently pinch your nose and massage the sides for about one minute to ensure the ointment is evenly distributed. Repeat this process twice per day for 5 days before and on the morning of surgery.
A prescription for mupirocin ointment will be provided to you at your preoperative appointment.
You're Almost Ready!
By following these instructions, you're taking important steps to ensure the best possible outcome for your surgery. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact our office.