For example:
- Glucosamine can interact with the blood thinner warfarin and may increase the risk of bleeding.
- St. John's Wort can lower the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
- And if you regularly take the supplement red yeast rice along with Lipitor or another prescription cholesterol drug, it may increase your risk of kidney or liver damage over time.
Consumer Reports says that when you're getting a prescription, ideally you should talk to your pharmacist about any supplements you're taking, and check whether there is a problem combining them. But when Consumer Reports sent anonymous shoppers into 20 pharmacies in five states to ask whether there was a potential problem taking Lipitor with red yeast rice, many pharmacists didn't know. Twelve of the 20 times, pharmacists gave incorrect or fuzzy advice. On two occasions, they actually recommended taking the combination.
Consumer Reports advice: In addition to talking to your pharmacist, you also want to consult with your doctor before taking any dietary supplements along with your prescription drugs.
Consumer Reports has put together a list of nine top-selling herbal supplements and some common drugs that may interact with them: www.consumerreports.org/health/natural-health/beware-of-risky-herb-drug-combos/risky-herb-drug-combos.htm.
Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.
