In recent years, the increasing popularity of dietary supplements has prompted significant interest and concern regarding their potential interactions with prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs.
As more individuals turn to natural products for health enhancement and disease prevention, the potential for drug interactions has become a critical consideration for both healthcare providers and patients alike.
Dietary supplements, which encompass vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other botanical products, can influence the efficacy and safety of prescribed medications, leading to unintended side effects or reduced therapeutic outcomes.
Herbal remedies have been a part of traditional medicine for thousands of years.
Even today, many modern medications have their origins in herbal medicines.
The popularity of herbal supplements continues to grow. According to the latest available surveys more than 46% of Canadians and approximately 77% of US adults use dietary supplements.
Widespread Non-Disclosure of Use of Dietary Supplements to Healthcare Providers
However, there’s an important issue that often goes overlooked – many people don’t disclose their supplement use to their doctors.
A 2023 study published in the journal “Pharmacy” found that a large percentage of patients using dietary supplements for therapeutic purposes did not consult with their physicians or pharmacists.
The rates of concomitant use without consultation ranged from 41.2% to 55.6% depending on the condition. These more recent findings indicate that the issue of non-disclosure of dietary supplement use to healthcare providers remains a significant concern.
This lack of communication can potentially lead to drug interactions or other health issues.
Natural Doesn’t Always Mean Safe: The Importance of Caution with Herbal Medicines and Dietary Supplements
While herbal medicines and dietary supplements are often thought of as gentle and natural, this doesn’t mean they’re always safe or free from side effects.
Like any medication, they can cause allergic reactions, interact with other drugs, and have unintended consequences.
It’s crucial to approach these supplements and natural remedies with the same caution you would any other medication.
6 Essential Steps for Safe and Informed Use of Natural Dietary Supplements
If you’re considering using natural supplements, here are some important steps to take:
1. Do your research: Look for evidence supporting the herb’s use for your specific condition. Understand potential side effects and interactions.
2. Check for quality: In Canada, look for products with a Natural Product Number (NPN), indicating Health Canada has assessed it for safety and efficacy.
3. Inform your healthcare team: Always tell your doctor, pharmacist, and any complementary health practitioners about ALL medications and supplements you’re taking, including herbs.
4. Be aware of warnings: Some herbs, like kava and ephedra, have been recalled or warned against by health authorities due to safety concerns.
5. Consider your health status: Certain herbs may be contraindicated for specific medical conditions or during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
6. Learn proper usage: Understand the correct dosage, preparation method, and storage requirements for any herb or supplement you use.
Potential Risks: Herb and Dietary Supplement Interactions with Medications
It’s also worth noting that herbal medicines can interact with both prescription and over-the-counter medications. These interactions can enhance or reduce the effectiveness of your medications, or even cause unexpected side effects.
For Example:
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
Commonly used for depression, can have multiple drug interactions, including birth control pills, blood thinners, digoxin and some HIV medications. It is strongly recommended to avoid concurrent use of St. John’s wort with over-the-counter and prescription medications.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
Is known to inhibit platelet aggregation, which could theoretically increase bleeding risk, especially in combination with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs i.e., warfarin, aspirin and clopidogrel.
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Extract has been shown in human studies to decrease concentrations of drugs such as colchicine, digoxin, doxorubicin [Adriamycin], quinidine, rosuvastatin [Crestor], verapamil (Isoptin).
Special Caution Required: Herbal Remedies During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should be especially cautious with herbal remedies. Many herbs haven’t been thoroughly studied for safety during pregnancy or lactation.
Always consult with your healthcare provider before using any herbal product if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
For example: Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) should be used with caution during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester where its purported labor-inducing effects could be of concern, and during lactation.
While herbal remedies and supplements can be a valuable part of your health regimen, they should be approached with knowledge and care.
Don’t assume that “natural” always means safe. Consult an expert that understands both natural remedies and well and the precautions with medications.
Remember, your health is a collaborative effort between you and your healthcare providers. Open communication about all aspects of your health routine, including herbal supplement use, is key to ensuring you receive the best and safest care possible.
By staying informed and maintaining an open dialogue with your healthcare team, you can make the most of both conventional and natural medicines while minimizing potential risks.
Want more tips about holistic health and the latest research? Check out the Holistic Insiders Group. A monthly virtual gathering where you’ll:
- Explore topical health solutions
- Get the latest research on natural health
- Improve your well-being with actionable steps
- Join live and have opportunity to ask RoseMarie questions about the topic
References
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-625-x/2017001/article/14831-eng.htm
https://www.statista.com/statistics/823603/dietary-supplement-usage-us-adults-timeline
https://www.mdpi.com/2226-4787/11/6/179 Patients Are Using Dietary Supplement for the Treatment of Their Diseases without Consultation
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2017/0715/p101.html Common Herbal Dietary Supplement–Drug Interactions
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17085773/ Safety and efficacy of black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) during pregnancy and lactation
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