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Some herbal supplements may not be mixed with heart meds

philstar.com
July 18, 2012

MANILA, Philippines - Taking certain herbal supplements along with your heart medications can be dangerous to your health.

“Herbal supplements can have strong effects in the body, and some can interact with prescription medications to treat heart and circulatory problems, such as high blood pressure and heart failure. Some of these interactions can be dangerous,” according to medical research group Mayo Clinic.

Garlic supplements taken along with aspirin, cloopidogrel (Plavix), and warfarin (Coumadin), for example, may lead to an increase in bleeding.

Gingko supplements mixed with aspirin and warfarin also increases the risk of bleeding.

The same goes with ginseng supplements that are taken at the same time as warfarin.

“The chances of herbs and drugs interacting are high. Indeed, 8 of the 10 most widely used supplements interact with the blood-thinning medication warfarin,” Mayo Clinic said.

Other herbal supplements that can affect warfarin include danshen, dong quai, evening primrose oil.

So if you’re currently on heart medications and would like to take herbal supplements as well, follow the age-old advice: consult your doctor.

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