Preparing for Stem Cell Therapy: Your Complete Pre-Treatment Checklist

Proper preparation for stem cell therapy can meaningfully influence your treatment outcomes. What you do in the weeks before your treatment — from medication management to physical optimization — creates the biological environment that determines how well MSCs perform once delivered. This checklist covers everything you need to prepare, whether you are traveling to Colombia or receiving treatment domestically.

Medications and Supplements to Discuss With Your Doctor

Stop 2-4 Weeks Before (With Your Doctor's Approval)

NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin) are the most important category to discontinue. NSAIDs suppress the inflammatory cascade that MSCs rely on to do their work — research suggests NSAID use around the time of MSC therapy can significantly reduce treatment effectiveness. Corticosteroids (oral prednisone, cortisone injections) similarly suppress inflammation and may interfere with MSC function. Discuss a safe discontinuation timeline with your prescribing physician. Blood-thinning supplements (fish oil, vitamin E in high doses, ginkgo, garlic supplements) should be stopped to reduce injection-site bleeding risk.

Continue as Normal

Blood pressure, cardiac, and diabetes medications should be continued as prescribed. Thyroid medication should continue. Antidepressants and anxiety medications should continue. Inform your treating clinic of all current medications, but do not stop essential medications without your prescribing doctor's explicit guidance.

Medical Records to Bring

Compile and bring (or send digitally in advance): recent imaging (MRI, CT, X-ray) within three to six months of treatment for musculoskeletal conditions, relevant lab work (complete blood count, metabolic panel, inflammatory markers such as CRP and ESR), surgical history and operative reports for any prior procedures in the treatment area, current medication list with dosages, and any specialist reports relevant to your condition.

Physical Optimization

Logistics for Colombia Travel

If traveling to Colombia for treatment, also prepare: valid passport with at least six months remaining, travel medical insurance covering your specific treatment, direct flights or connections to Medellín or Bogotá, accommodation near the clinic for three to seven days (depending on protocol), a list of post-treatment restrictions for your return flight, and contact information for your treating clinic's after-hours support line.

At the Clinic: What to Expect

Day one typically involves clinical evaluation, imaging review, and blood work confirmation. Some clinics perform same-day treatment; others schedule the procedure for day two. The treatment itself (for orthopedic applications) takes 45–90 minutes under local anesthesia with image guidance. Systemic infusions take one to three hours. Most patients walk out of the clinic and return to their accommodation the same day.