When Herbs and Prescription Drugs Don’t Mix

[Guest guest]

Anyone who takes any prescription medications needs to

be sure that whatever natural remedies they may take don't negatively

interact with other things they may be taking. This article doesn't speak

to the efficacy of one over the other. Only, it recognizes that herbal

supplements have certain effects on the body, and may not mix well with

some prescription drugs. It seems to me, that even if one is only taking

herbal supplements, that some may have adverse affects on other herbal

supplements. This article doesn't pose a judgement as to whether

prescription medications are better than herbals, and is certainly not

inclusive - better to be safe than sorry........Lynn

When Herbs and Prescription Drugs Don’t Mix

 

 

Johns Hopkins reviews six popular herbal supplements –

ginkgo, garlic, St. John’s wort, and others -- that may cause adverse

interactions with prescription medication.

 

Many herbal dietary supplements are considered safe when used as

directed, with no serious side effects reported -- yet. But problems with

herbal products have been identified. It’s important to tell your doctor

what supplements you use, to avoid interactions with any prescription

drugs you may need to take.

 

Herbal supplements contain biologically active compounds that should

not be considered safe just because they are sold over the counter or

come from " natural” sources such as plants. When trying a new herbal

supplement, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether there are known safety

issues associated with the herbal supplement, especially interactions

with other medications.

 

A fundamental problem in assessing either the efficacy or the side

effects of herbal products is the lack of strict manufacturing quality

standards, allowing substantial variability of products between different

manufacturers and even between different batches of one product from the

same manufacturer. As a consequence, firm conclusions on these compounds

are difficult to reach.

Be especially cautious before going in for surgery. Some herbal

remedies appear to increase the risk of bleeding. Others may interfere

with drugs commonly used before, during, and after surgery, including

anesthetics. It is probably most reasonable to stop taking any dietary

supplements at least a week before surgery, to give them time to “wash

out” of your system.

Here are some of the more popular herbal remedies thought to interact

with certain prescription drugs.

Herbal Supplement 1 – Ginkgo

 

Ginkgo inhibits the action of platelets in the blood, thus

interfering with blood coagulation. Don’t use ginkgo if you are taking

the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin) or antiplatelet drugs such as

clopidogrel (Plavix). Ginkgo may lower blood sugar, so don’t use it if

you are already taking drugs for diabetes.

Herbal Supplement 2 – Garlic

 

Chemical compounds in garlic may inhibit blood clotting. Don’t use

garlic supplements if you are already taking anticoagulants or

antiplatelet drugs. Garlic can also interfere with the action of the

antiviral drug saquinavir (Invirase), which is used to treat HIV

infection.

Herbal Supplement 3 -- Licorice Root

 

Taking large amounts of licorice may cause high blood pressure and

retention of water and salt. It can also deplete potassium in the body,

leading to abnormal heart rhythms or symptoms of weakness or fatigue.

Licorice would have the tendency to counteract the effect of some

diuretics (water pills), drugs that are commonly prescribed for heart

disease and high blood pressure.

Herbal Supplement 4 -- Kava

 

Kava appears to be toxic to the liver, so it is advisable to avoid

kava altogether.

Herbal Supplement 5 -- Asian Ginseng

 

Asian ginseng may lower your blood sugar. Don’t use it if you are

already taking diabetes drugs to lower your blood sugar. Asian ginseng

may also inhibit blood clotting. Don’t use ginseng if you are already

taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs.

Herbal Supplement 6 -- St. John’s Wort

 

The problem of St. John’s wort interfering with the metabolism of

many drugs is probably the best defined of all herbal interactions with

other drugs. St. John's wort can interact with a variety of prescription

drugs, either increasing or decreasing their effect. These drugs include

the antiviral drug Invirase, the anti-rejection drug cyclosporine, the

cardiac drug digoxin, the blood thinner Coumadin, antidepressants, and

some cancer medications.

 

 

 

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