When Herbs and Prescription Drugs Don't Mix

[Guest guest]

This is the reason why doctors (and such) will ask a patient what meds they are taking (even OTC and herbals). They will even ask about drinking, smoking, (and if female), if pregnant. I guess to some degree, even the food we eat will affect the absorption of meds.

Of course I seldom get prescriptions filled unless it is an antibiotic. Normally I don't see a doc any way.

 

Kenneth T

 

-

Lynn Ward

arubyrogers ;

Tuesday, April 08, 2008 10:46

When Herbs and Prescription Drugs Don’t Mix

 

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........LynnWhen 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.http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/reports/prescription_drugs/1933-1.html?ET=johnshopkins:e4852:180311a: & st=email & st=email & s=RKH_080408_005

[Guest guest]

Doc never seem to seek / ensure meds prescribed are Gluten Free for those that need them.... it seems to be up to the patient to check this for themselves with the pharmacist ... ensuring, of course that your Doc allows cheaper, other, generic forms of the meds they are prescribing.....

 

this is definitely a cae of BUYER BEWARE

 

Clare

[Guest guest]

Buyer beware? Surely all the posts here, over the past few years, would be sufficient for everyone to avoid ALL Allopathic Medicines like the plague?

 

Instead of a list of what problems might arise when Herbal Medicine is taken alongside allopathic medicine, we all need to reread and study that great list someone sent last week on the impact allopathic medicine has on the body - under the title of "side-effects" ???

 

If we feel we are unwell - then life-style changes and a few herbs with some supportive homeopathy all should get us back on track - don't you think?

 

Health and Healing is nothing to do with allopathic medicine - it does not offer either.

 

Best

 

Jane

 

-

Clares Primus

Wednesday, April 09, 2008 8:04 AM

Re: When Herbs and Prescription Drugs Don't Mix

 

Doc never seem to seek / ensure meds prescribed are Gluten Free for those that need them.... it seems to be up to the patient to check this for themselves with the pharmacist ... ensuring, of course that your Doc allows cheaper, other, generic forms of the meds they are prescribing.....

 

this is definitely a cae of BUYER BEWARE

 

Clare

[Guest guest]

At 06:04 PM 4/8/2008, you wrote:

In the U.S. if you have insurance, the generic is almost always given,

unless the doc specifies otherwise. It must be noted, however, that all

generics do not work the same as the original. Binders may be

different....several things may differ, with the result that one doesn't

necessarily work as well as the other.

Lynn

 

 

Doc never seem to seek /

ensure meds prescribed are Gluten Free for those that need them.... it

seems to be up to the patient to check this for themselves with the

pharmacist ... ensuring, of course that your Doc allows cheaper, other,

generic forms of the meds they are prescribing.....

 

this is definitely a

cae of BUYER BEWARE

 

Clare

[Guest guest]

At 06:39 PM 4/8/2008, you wrote:

Uhhh, Jane, what you say is true - but there maybe people new to the

group who are not quite ready to jump in, but are sort of " sticking

their toe in the water " if you will. What about the people who

haven't been here for the last couple year's worth of posts? What about

the folks that are new to the ideas expressed in here? What about the

folks who are trying natural methods for the first time? Some of whom,

may still be taking medication prescribed by their doctor and who don't

feel confident enough to just quit as many here suggest.

Quite a lot of people belong to this group, and very few actually post.

According to the group site, there are 3342 members. I doubt if even 10%

of that posts.....Sometimes it seems as though this group is comprised of

perhaps 10 people or so. Although some may not realize it, sometimes the

attitudes expressed in the group, make people afraid to post. Something

everyone might keep in mind.

Not pointing any fingers - just trying to point something out which many

may have forgotten. Once upon a time, everyone that has been posting was

a beginner. A neophyte. May have been a long time ago, but everyone has

to start somewhere........

Lynn

 

Buyer beware? Surely all the posts

here, over the past few years, would be sufficient for everyone to avoid

ALL Allopathic Medicines like the plague?

 

Instead of a list of what problems

might arise when Herbal Medicine is taken alongside allopathic medicine,

we all need to reread and study that great list someone sent last week on

the impact allopathic medicine has on the body - under the title of

" side-effects " ???

 

If we feel we are unwell - then

life-style changes and a few herbs with some supportive homeopathy all

should get us back on track - don't you think?

 

Health and Healing is nothing to do

with allopathic medicine - it does not offer either.

 

Best

 

Jane

 

 

-

Clares Primus

 

To:

 

Wednesday, April 09, 2008 8:04 AM

Re: When Herbs and Prescription

Drugs Don't Mix

 

Doc never seem to seek /

ensure meds prescribed are Gluten Free for those that need them.... it

seems to be up to the patient to check this for themselves with the

pharmacist ... ensuring, of course that your Doc allows cheaper, other,

generic forms of the meds they are prescribing.....

 

 

 

this is definitely a cae

of BUYER BEWARE

 

 

 

Clare

[Guest guest]

At 06:04 PM 4/8/2008, you wrote:

Clare,

I know I already answered, but was looking at your post again - I doubt

if many doctors know what's in many of the medications other than

whatever it is they are prescribing - unless, of course, they deal with

allergies and/or conditions caused by allergies to certain things.

However, the pharmacist ought to know - that's their business. But,

I would think, once a doc knows you've got an allergy to something like

gluten, they would make it their business to check before prescribing

anything. I do think, though, this is a case where you have to be your

own best advocate. To check yourself, or specifically ask if whatever is

being prescribed has gluten in it. I never knew so many things did, until

my niece turned out to have an allergy to gluten.

Lynn

 

 

Doc never seem to seek /

ensure meds prescribed are Gluten Free for those that need them.... it

seems to be up to the patient to check this for themselves with the

pharmacist ... ensuring, of course that your Doc allows cheaper, other,

generic forms of the meds they are prescribing.....

 

this is definitely a

cae of BUYER BEWARE

 

Clare

[Guest guest]

But if no one wrote what I wrote and we all made excuses, where would the impetus come from to fight ill health with common sense - everyone wants to run somewhere when things don't look right or don't feel right - like when we ran to our mothers when we were small - we HAVE to learn to stand on our own two feet to survive - no excuses.

 

We have to learn to be accountable - it is part of growing up - and it is becoming a more and more vital part of not only our individual survival but the survival of the species - can't you see that?

 

You give people an out and they'll run to grab it.

 

Why do you have to do that? Let people begin to feel their feet and accept their own direction, their own paths to good health - not reliant on Drs and on chemicals and medications - please.

 

Jane

 

-

Lynn Ward

Wednesday, April 09, 2008 10:43 AM

Re: When Herbs and Prescription Drugs Don't Mix

At 06:39 PM 4/8/2008, you wrote:Uhhh, Jane, what you say is true - but there maybe people new to the group who are not quite ready to jump in, but are sort of "sticking their toe in the water" if you will. What about the people who haven't been here for the last couple year's worth of posts? What about the folks that are new to the ideas expressed in here? What about the folks who are trying natural methods for the first time? Some of whom, may still be taking medication prescribed by their doctor and who don't feel confident enough to just quit as many here suggest.

[Guest guest]

Lynn

Sadly my motto is Trust No One....... which really encompasses Let the buyer beware.... TRUST A DOCTOR???? hummmm these days that is an oxymoron! Most are nothing more than Government Employees

 

 

[Guest guest]

At 09:04 PM 4/8/2008, you wrote:

No.......I'm not talking about making excuses or giving people

" outs, " Jane.......It's just that I think we need to be a bit

more open and sensitive to the fact that many in this group are a bit

intimidating. You may not believe it, because you've been on this group

for a while. And, what people believe, they believe. I just think it

would be a shame if someone came wanting to learn about things, then got

put off by comments made in this group that are often directed to people

who feel as many in the group do. I have a hard time believing that

anyone in this group would knowingly do anything to put someone new off -

if you met them in person, most of the people in this group would

probably take them by the hand, sit them down and explain a lot of the

things many of us know and/or take for granted.

And, it's not even just the neophyte in natural methods I'm talking

about. If someone has just joined a group for the first time, it

can be scary. Very intimidating, Especially when you're dealing with a

core group, who on some level, have forged relationships. It's

always tough to be the new kid on the block, and some people are more

sensitive than others. I've got a pretty thick skin in some things. I

know some of the things I post are going to rile people up. But, I do it

anyway, because I feel as strongly about some things as do other people

in the group - they're just not always the same things. But, I'm not

talking about someone like me - I've gotten several emails from people of

late, who don't want to post for one reason or another. As, you probably

have. Those are the people I'm talking about.

It's not that anyone has to change WHAT they say, but maybe some of us,

myself included, need to look at HOW we say things sometimes....

That's all I was trying to say - people can accept it or not. It's up to

y'all.......but, in light of a couple of emails I received lately, I felt

it needed to be said.

I think you guys are a great bunch, and have a lot of great information

to offer - I would hate it if someone missed something they needed to

hear or learn, because someone (not nec you) said something that scared

them off. The new people come here to learn, and I think we (mostly you

guys because you know more) should take the position of teacher. I think

most people who come to a group like this DO want to take responsibility

for their health and their lives. But, just as it was when we were young,

one took baby steps before one could walk, then run on their

own.

I know folks have a lot of different spiritual beliefs in this group, and

feel, for the most part, most believe it is the right thing to do, to

give one a hand up. One can be steadfast in one's beliefs and still

sensitive to the issues and questions people face when they are asking

for help - because that's the biggest reason most people come to this

group for - for help. Think about some of the teachers you've had - which

ones you performed the best for - and which just totally turned you off

of a subject. I'm willing to bet the best teachers you had did a couple

of things: made you feel as though none of your questions were stupid

(so, therefore YOU weren't stupid), supported you as you learned, and

presented things in an interesting way, and she or he expected a certain

of level of work from you. I don't know about you, but I almost always

did well when I had a teacher like that. If a teacher made me feel

stupid, or was short with me and I didn't understand why - I didn't work

in that class. I did what I needed to get by, but that was it. I know

this isn't school, but some of the dynamics in the group are

similar.

I hope I was able to explain what I wanted to say in such as way that you

were able to see what I meant.. I hope you agree with what I've been

trying to say, but if you don't, I feel it's my fault because I didn't

present my case well enough. But, if I haven't, I don't think I know how

else to say what I've been trying to get across..In brief - I just don't

want someone who is looking for help to get intimidated, or get their

feelings hurt and then go away - still not having learned what they came

to learn....

Lynn

 

But if no one wrote what I wrote and we all

made excuses, where would the impetus come from to fight ill health with

common sense - everyone wants to run somewhere when things don't look

right or don't feel right - like when we ran to our mothers when we were

small - we HAVE to learn to stand on our own two feet to survive - no

excuses.

 

We have to learn to be accountable -

it is part of growing up - and it is becoming a more and more vital part

of not only our individual survival but the survival of the species -

can't you see that?

 

You give people an out and they'll

run to grab it.

 

Why do you have to do that? Let

people begin to feel their feet and accept their own direction, their own

paths to good health - not reliant on Drs and on chemicals and

medications - please.

 

Jane

 

 

-

Lynn Ward

To:

 

Wednesday, April 09, 2008 10:43 AM

Re: When Herbs and Prescription

Drugs Don't Mix

At 06:39 PM 4/8/2008, you wrote:

Uhhh, Jane, what you say is true - but there maybe people new to the

group who are not quite ready to jump in, but are sort of " sticking

their toe in the water " if you will. What about the people who

haven't been here for the last couple year's worth of posts? What about

the folks that are new to the ideas expressed in here? What about the

folks who are trying natural methods for the first time? Some of whom,

may still be taking medication prescribed by their doctor and who don't

feel confident enough to just quit as many here suggest.

[Guest guest]

Thank you Lynn,

 

I think you expressed yourself very well.

 

We all have our reasons for being here, and for those who are anywhere

along the path of finding themselves, which probably includes all of

us, I am sure that there are gems of wisdom for everyone.

 

Some people will find some posts intimidating, and some will find some

posts too simple, but we have been provided with the equipment to be

selective.

 

I would say it's a case of take what you want, and leave the rest. I

recall many times when I read some words aimed at those far in advance

of myself, and was fascinated by the possibilities, although I didn't

necessarily understand them, or believe the words to be true or

possible. And then later, I discovered the real truth of the words,

and knew that I had read them too soon. We have to graduate one step

at a time. Most people who post here have a heartfelt desire to be of

assistance to their fellow man. Isn't it a shame that our leaders do

not appear to have the same sentiments.

 

Love and light to all

 

David

 

 

 

, Lynn Ward <lynnward wrote:

>

> At 09:04 PM 4/8/2008, you wrote:

>

> No.......I'm not talking about making excuses or giving people

> " outs, " Jane.......It's just that I think we need to be a bit more

> open and sensitive to the fact that many in this group are a bit

> intimidating. You may not believe it, because you've been on this

> group for a while. And, what people believe, they believe. I just

> think it would be a shame if someone came wanting to learn about

> things, then got put off by comments made in this group that are

> often directed to people who feel as many in the group do. I have a

> hard time believing that anyone in this group would knowingly do

> anything to put someone new off - if you met them in person, most of

> the people in this group would probably take them by the hand, sit

> them down and explain a lot of the things many of us know and/or take

> for granted.

>

> And, it's not even just the neophyte in natural methods I'm talking

> about. If someone has just joined a group for the first time, it can

> be scary. Very intimidating, Especially when you're dealing with a

> core group, who on some level, have forged relationships. It's

> always tough to be the new kid on the block, and some people are more

> sensitive than others. I've got a pretty thick skin in some things. I

> know some of the things I post are going to rile people up. But, I do

> it anyway, because I feel as strongly about some things as do other

> people in the group - they're just not always the same things. But,

> I'm not talking about someone like me - I've gotten several emails

> from people of late, who don't want to post for one reason or

> another. As, you probably have. Those are the people I'm talking about.

>

> It's not that anyone has to change WHAT they say, but maybe some of

> us, myself included, need to look at HOW we say things sometimes....

>

> That's all I was trying to say - people can accept it or not. It's up

> to y'all.......but, in light of a couple of emails I received lately,

> I felt it needed to be said.

>

> I think you guys are a great bunch, and have a lot of great

> information to offer - I would hate it if someone missed something

> they needed to hear or learn, because someone (not nec you) said

> something that scared them off. The new people come here to learn,

> and I think we (mostly you guys because you know more) should take

> the position of teacher. I think most people who come to a group like

> this DO want to take responsibility for their health and their lives.

> But, just as it was when we were young, one took baby steps before

> one could walk, then run on their own.

>

> I know folks have a lot of different spiritual beliefs in this group,

> and feel, for the most part, most believe it is the right thing to

> do, to give one a hand up. One can be steadfast in one's beliefs and

> still sensitive to the issues and questions people face when they are

> asking for help - because that's the biggest reason most people come

> to this group for - for help. Think about some of the teachers you've

> had - which ones you performed the best for - and which just totally

> turned you off of a subject. I'm willing to bet the best teachers you

> had did a couple of things: made you feel as though none of your

> questions were stupid (so, therefore YOU weren't stupid), supported

> you as you learned, and presented things in an interesting way, and

> she or he expected a certain of level of work from you. I don't know

> about you, but I almost always did well when I had a teacher like

> that. If a teacher made me feel stupid, or was short with me and I

> didn't understand why - I didn't work in that class. I did what I

> needed to get by, but that was it. I know this isn't school, but some

> of the dynamics in the group are similar.

>

> I hope I was able to explain what I wanted to say in such as way that

> you were able to see what I meant.. I hope you agree with what I've

> been trying to say, but if you don't, I feel it's my fault because I

> didn't present my case well enough. But, if I haven't, I don't think

> I know how else to say what I've been trying to get across..In brief

> - I just don't want someone who is looking for help to get

> intimidated, or get their feelings hurt and then go away - still not

> having learned what they came to learn....

>

> Lynn

>

> >But if no one wrote what I wrote and we all made excuses, where

> >would the impetus come from to fight ill health with common sense -

> >everyone wants to run somewhere when things don't look right or

> >don't feel right - like when we ran to our mothers when we were

> >small - we HAVE to learn to stand on our own two feet to survive -

> >no excuses.

> >

> >We have to learn to be accountable - it is part of growing up - and

> >it is becoming a more and more vital part of not only our individual

> >survival but the survival of the species - can't you see that?

> >

> >You give people an out and they'll run to grab it.

> >

> >Why do you have to do that? Let people begin to feel their feet and

> >accept their own direction, their own paths to good health - not

> >reliant on Drs and on chemicals and medications - please.

> >

> >Jane

> >-

> ><lynnwardLynn Ward

> >To:

>

>

> >Wednesday, April 09, 2008 10:43 AM

> >Re: When Herbs and Prescription Drugs

Don't Mix

> >

> >At 06:39 PM 4/8/2008, you wrote:

> >

> >Uhhh, Jane, what you say is true - but there maybe people new to the

> >group who are not quite ready to jump in, but are sort of " sticking

> >their toe in the water " if you will. What about the people who

> >haven't been here for the last couple year's worth of posts? What

> >about the folks that are new to the ideas expressed in here? What

> >about the folks who are trying natural methods for the first time?

> >Some of whom, may still be taking medication prescribed by their

> >doctor and who don't feel confident enough to just quit as many

here suggest.

>

[Guest guest]

we may not be writing -- but we are sure learning a lot of things we never knew existed. Howbeit, it is hard to find a lot of the "cures" you are talking about as the items you speak of are in speciality stores and if you don't live in a major metropolitan area -- well you may be out of luck?! Especially if we don't use the internet to order something, because we like to touch a jar before we buy --

thea

---------- Forwarded Message ----------At 06:39 PM 4/8/2008, you wrote:Uhhh, Jane, what you say is true - but there maybe people new to the group who are not quite ready to jump in, but are sort of "sticking their toe in the water" if you will. What about the people who haven't been here for the last couple year's worth of posts? What about the folks that are new to the ideas expressed in here? What about the folks who are trying natural methods for the first time? Some of whom, may still be taking medication prescribed by their doctor and who don't feel confident enough to just quit as many here suggest.Quite a lot of people belong to this group, and very few actually post. According to the group site, there are 3342 members. I doubt if even 10% of that posts.....Sometimes it seems as though this group is comprised of perhaps 10 people or so. Although some may not realize it, sometimes the attitudes expressed in the group, make people afraid to post. Something everyone might keep in mind. Not pointing any fingers - just trying to point something out which many may have forgotten. Once upon a time, everyone that has been posting was a beginner. A neophyte. May have been a long time ago, but everyone has to start somewhere........Lynn

Buyer beware? Surely all the posts here, over the past few years, would be sufficient for everyone to avoid ALL Allopathic Medicines like the plague? Instead of a list of what problems might arise when Herbal Medicine is taken alongside allopathic medicine, we all need to reread and study that great list someone sent last week on the impact allopathic medicine has on the body - under the title of "side-effects" ??? If we feel we are unwell - then life-style changes and a few herbs with some supportive homeopathy all should get us back on track - don't you think? Health and Healing is nothing to do with allopathic medicine - it does not offer either. Best Jane

 

-

Clares Primus

Wednesday, April 09, 2008 8:04 AM

Re: When Herbs and Prescription Drugs Don't Mix

Doc never seem to seek / ensure meds prescribed are Gluten Free for those that need them.... it seems to be up to the patient to check this for themselves with the pharmacist ... ensuring, of course that your Doc allows cheaper, other, generic forms of the meds they are prescribing.....

 

this is definitely a cae of BUYER BEWARE

 

Clare ___________Remove unsightly stains with high quality carpet cleaning. Click now!