(Article from MayoClinic.org)
Some herbal supplements can have dangerous interactions with heart medications.
By Mayo Clinic Staff
Herbal supplements are natural, so they must be safe, right? Not necessarily. Herbal supplements can have strong effects in the body, and some can interact with prescription medications used to treat heart and circulatory problems, such as high blood pressure and heart failure. Some of these interactions can even be dangerous.
Herbal supplements and prescription medications
Up to one-half of adults who take prescription medications also take dietary supplements, including herbal supplements. That number increases with age.
Yet many herbal supplements may interact with medications for cardiovascular disease — which are widely prescribed for older adults. Indeed, 8 of the 10 most widely used supplements have the potential to interact with the blood-thinning medication warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven, others). Here are just a few of the herbal supplements that can affect warfarin:
Danshen
Dong quai
Evening primrose oil
Garlic
Ginkgo
Ginseng
St. John's wort
That's why it's so important to talk with your doctor before taking herbal supplements if you take prescription medications. Your doctor and pharmacist can help you avoid risky interactions.
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