One-third of adults in the U.S. are taking prescription medications with
dietary supplements, according to a recent study reported by the news service
Reuters.
The contraindication, or drug-supplement interaction, risk may increase as
more people use more types as the routine practice and availability of products
becomes more prevalent. The most common type of nutritional supplements that
people on pharmaceutical drugs take are multivitamins and omega-3 fatty acid
oil supplements.
Using nutritional supplements is considered more normal today than in
decades past, and even pharmacists are becoming more familiar with the link
between common drugs and nutritional products. A great resource for finding out
about contraindications is, of course, the physician that prescribes the drugs.
However, the next best option may be the pharmacist that fills your
prescription, and if she is not available, a reputable online source, such as WebMD.
Having an understanding of the most common drug and nutritional supplement
interactions can also help you, friends and family navigate health concerns
prior to discussing them with a professional health care provider.
The most common supplements that cause prescription drug interactions,
according to the Vitamin Council, are:
- St. John’s wort
- Gingko
- Kava
- Willow
- Digitalis
There are particular medications that also regularly pose a nutritional
product interaction risk. The most common are:
- warfarin (Coumadin)
- aspirin
- insulin
- digoxin
- ticlopidine (Ticlid)
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort is often cited as the most commonly contraindicated natural
product because it can decrease the effectiveness of statin drugs used to treat
high cholesterol. It is typically used to treat mood disorders, such as
depression.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba is an herbal supplement that can improve alertness and is
often associated with cognitive function, although research is not conclusive
regarding its effectiveness. It has been associated with increased blood flow
because it decreasing blood clotting and aggregation. Consequently, ginkgo is
contraindicated with warfarin and other blood-thinning medications used for
patients experiencing blood vessel blockage and cardiovascular disease. Used
together with these drugs, ginkgo can over-thin the blood and create a risk for
severe bleeding in the case that the patient becomes injured. It can also
exacerbate internal bleeding if taken during the same period as aspirin that
can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding.
Grapefruit
A common nutritional contraindication that should also be noted is
grapefruit, that can interfere with the effectiveness of cholesterol drugs.
If you find yourself seeking more information about contraindications, in
addition to information about insurance and financial assistance pharmacy Michigan a pharmacy in
Michigan can be a terrific resource. Ask a pharmacist to help uncover the
important facts that can help protect you and your loved ones with the latest
finding regarding nutritional products and prescription medications.
