Herbal Supplements and Prescription Drugs: Know the Risks

You may take dietary — or herbal — supplements to enhance your diet. You may also take prescription drugs to manage or prevent a condition or disease. You are trying to improve your health, but you could be putting your health at risk.

What are Dietary Supplements?

Many people take dietary supplements to add extra nutrients to their diets. Herbal supplements are dietary supplements that contain one or more herbs.

Supplements come in many forms, such as tablets, capsules, powders and liquids. According to the FDA, dietary supplements must contain "one or more dietary ingredients and be taken by mouth to enhance the diet." Dietary ingredients can include:

• Amino acids
• Enzymes
• Herbs
• Minerals
• Vitamins

The FDA classifies supplements as food, not medicine. So, supplements don’t have to undergo the same testing or inspection as prescription medications.

Common Misconceptions About Dietary Supplements

Interactions and Risks

It's vital to know how dietary supplements can interact with prescription drugs so you can stay safe and healthy. Supplements can be beneficial. But, they can be risky when mixed with medications. These interactions can:

• Cause unexpected side effects
• Lead to serious health problems
• Make drugs less effective

Common Dietary Supplements with Known Interactions

Some dietary supplements are more likely to interact with prescription drugs. Here are a few examples:

• Calcium and magnesium can reduce the absorption of some antibiotics.
• Ginkgo biloba can affect blood thinners and increase the risk of serious bleeding.
• St. John’s Wort can interact with antidepressants, birth control pills and blood thinners.

Before taking a dietary supplement, check with your doctor to ensure it is safe with your other medications.

Signs of a Supplement-Drug Interaction

Knowing the warning signs of an interaction can help prevent a serious problem. Common symptoms to watch for include:

• Dizziness, headaches, confusion or a change in mental status.
• Irregular heartbeats, chest pain or heart palpitations.
• Jaundice, dark urine or changes in urination patterns.
• Medication seems less effective.
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or stomach pain.
• Rashes, itching, swelling or difficulty breathing.
• Severe fatigue or weakness.
• Unusual bruising or prolonged bleeding.

If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away. Always tell your doctor about the supplements and medications you are taking.

Long-Term Consequences of Ignoring Supplement-Drug Interactions

Ignoring drug interactions can have long-term effects. Not all symptoms are noticeable. You may not notice some interactions, but they can affect your medications. This can lead to:

• Ineffective treatment
• Life-threatening conditions
• Severe side effects

Some supplements can reduce the concentration of a crucial medication, and the disease may worsen. This includes antiviral drugs for HIV/AIDS and cancer treatments. On the other hand, if a supplement increases a drug's concentration, it can become toxic.

People with chronic conditions, like high blood pressure and diabetes, are at higher risk. For instance, licorice can decrease the effectiveness of blood pressure medications and diuretics. Some herbal supplements can interact with heart medications. They can dangerously change blood pressure or heart rate.

Over time, these interactions can harm your health. They can lead to more hospital visits and complications.

Regulatory and Quality Control

Dietary supplements aren't subject to the same testing as prescription drugs. The FDA doesn’t need to approve supplements before they go on the market. This lack of regulation can lead to differences in product quality and safety.

The FDA classifies dietary supplements and ingredients as “special" foods. The regulations are different for special foods and conventional foods. The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA) makes manufacturers responsible for testing their products' safety. Products need a label before a company can sell them. The FDA enforces this by conducting regular inspections and monitoring consumer complaints.

Companies must prove the dietary supplement is safe and effective and ensure accurate labels. DSHEA and current good manufacturing practices (CGMP) have several labeling requirements, including:

• Clearly state the net quantity of the package’s contents.
• Have a standard supplement facts or nutrition label.
• Identified as dietary supplements distinctly on the label.
• Includes the name and address of the manufacturer, distributor or packer with a domestic address.
• Lists all ingredients in the product.

Dietary supplements can state how the supplement can influence the users. But, they cannot make health claims that it can cure, diagnose or treat certain conditions.

Dietary supplements lack a rigorous trial and approval process. So, there is often little peer-reviewed research to support their claims. Many manufacturers choose to do third-party testing to ensure a quality product. Do your research and speak with your doctor before you try a new supplement.

Take Action Today for Your Health

Many people don't know the risks of mixing supplements with prescription medications. You may assume that supplements are harmless and don’t tell your doctors about them. It’s crucial to understand the dangers of mixing herbal supplements and prescription medications. Here are some points to remember:

• Always tell your doctor about any supplements you are taking.
• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking a new supplement.
• Understand that "natural" does not mean safe.
• Use reputable sources to check for interactions, including resources from the Food and Drug Administration and the WebMD Drug Interaction Checker.
• Watch for interactions, especially if you take medication for chronic conditions.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule an appointment at Memorial Primary Care to discuss any supplements you're taking with a PCP.

Your health is your most valuable asset. Stay safe, stay informed and take charge of your well-being today.