Herbal and Prescription Interaction Awareness

July is Herbal and Prescription Interaction Awareness Month. It's important to understand that just because it's labeled as natural or a supplement doesn't mean it is safe. Not only can supplements have harmful effects, but when taken with prescription medications interactions can prove to be dangerous. While many of the herbal medications do work for a number of conditions, these products carry the same dangers as other pharmacologically active compounds. For example, potentially serious problems can occur when mixing supplements with prescription medications such as:

Coenzyme Q-10 and ginseng - Can decrease the effectiveness of warfarin.

• Danshen (also know as red sage) - Significantly increases bleeding risk for those taking a blood thinner. If you're taking a calcium channel blocker, danshen raises the risk of dangerously low blood pressure.

• Chamomile, cranberry, evening primrose, garlic, ginger, gingko biloba, ginseng, green tea, and saw palmetto - All may increase bleeding risk for those on blood thinners or an aspirin regimen.

• St. John's wort - Reduces the effectiveness of calcium channel blockers, blood thinners, and statins; also, should not be taken with antidepressants.

• Echinacea - Has been known to negatively interact with some Chemotherapy agents.

• Fish oil - May cause problematic interactions with birth control pills, blood thinners, hypertension medication, and Xenical (treats obesity)

Supplement safety is a serious issue. Supplements should not be taken without first consulting with a healthcare provider who can determine if any supplements pose danger when taken with prescription medications. Learn more about substance abuse here.