Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 10/16/2010

Question
Good day. I would like to know how long before surgery (open breast biopsy) should I stop using duromine? I am using duromine for 4 weeks now. Does not have any side effects. What could happen when still using duromine and having surgery,  

Answer
Duromine is Phenteromine, a popular over the counter diet pill. Ideally, the longer off the drug the better, but it is up to the anesthesiologist whether they are comfortable doing the case. You should certainly let them know what drugs you are taking. I personally don't have a problem with it, if I know the patient is on it, but that is up to the individual anesthesiologist.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston