The New Year is almost here and we are inspired to do new things; that may be to stop smoking, travel more, get our financial house in order, spend more time with friends and family, or just feel better. For me, it is losing about ten pounds. That is a real easy sounding goal until you factor in that I am busy and, most days, tired. My doctor tells me that with diet and a regular exercise routine I will have more energy and lose weight. She is right! As a pharmacist, I know this and often give that same advice to my patients and like most people, I almost never take my own advice. Also like most people, I want help to make this faster and easier. So, the other day, I left the pharmacy looking for dietary supplements and things that could help me on my journey. My search revealed that there are a lot of things out there. With so many supplement options available, it can be overwhelming, confusing, and dangerous.
Just as there are dangers when mixing prescription drugs, there are also dangers when mixing supplements and prescription drugs. Before we start any herbal regimen, we should speak with our doctor or pharmacist, especially if we already take prescription medications. There are herb-drug interactions that we may not realize.
One real interaction occurs between cranberries and blood thinners. We use cranberry juice (or capsules) as a home remedy for a urinary tract infection (UTI). I love cranberry juice and drink a lot of it, but if I was on an anticoagulant, like warfarin, it could increase my chance of bruising or bleeding.
Most people who take warfarin know what foods they cannot eat, but never really think about what they cannot drink. Green tea is a great way to get rid of belly fat and lower cholesterol; however, in large amounts (more than half of a gallon per day) the vitamin K in it could negatively interfere with warfarin.
We all get a little down and maybe you have considered St. John’s wort. Did you know that St. John’s wort should not be combined with a long list of drugs including warfarin, birth control pills, and some HIV medications?
I am not quite at the point of “hot flashes,” but my mother and aunts are. Black cohosh is an herb often used as a remedy; it can also be used to help with painful periods and certain symptoms of vaginitis. Black cohosh can be toxic to the liver and can increase liver toxicity when combined with atorvastatin (Lipitor), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or liquor.
During my last two pregnancies, ginger quickly became my best friend. It can be used for conditions like motion sickness, nausea, and vomiting. However, it affects certain enzymes that may lead to longer bleeding and it can have an effect on aspirin and other blood thinners.
These are just a few examples but there are plenty more. These interactions could affect us or maybe not. Sometimes, it is the amount and others it is the combination. One thing that is certain, you should always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any supplements, especially if you are already taking prescription medications.
Misty Collier Farr
Pharmacy manager, Walmart
Misty Collier Farr is a pharmacy manager at Walmart, a 2016 St. Louis American Foundation Salute to Excellence in Health Care awardee and earned Distinguished Young Pharmacist honors by the Missouri Pharmacy Association.
