Supplements and prescriptions: a risky combination – KOLO

RENO, Nev. (KOLO) - Pat White is fighting breast cancer and wonders if supplements should be part of her daily routine. Her doctor asks her if they make her feel better.

Oh yeah, says Pat, Ive been taking them for years.

Some supplements are known to make certain chemotherapy drugs less effective, or might increase the side effects.

Experts say that's not the only scenario where supplements and vitamins, along with prescription drugs, may result in health problems you never counted on.

I think that is probably a pretty common misperception, is that if something is natural or plant-based, that it doesn't have many side effects or risks associated with it. But in reality, a lot of our most potent or commonly used prescription medications come from natural or plant-based sources, says Amy Pullen, a pharmacist with VA Sierra Health Care.

Pullen says there hasn't been extensive research on many vitamins and supplements and prescription drugs, so many of the warnings can be theoretical. But there are knowns--like the fact that Omega 5 fatty acids, including fish oil, combined with anti-clotting medicine, could increase your bleeding risk.

Pullen says garlic or other food supplements contain concentrated amounts and could increase side effects of other medications, as opposed to eating the food alone.

The best advice is to make a list of the supplements you take, how many, how often, and when you are taking them. Take that list to your doctor or pharmacist to see if you are headed for any dangerous interactions.

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Supplements and prescriptions: a risky combination - KOLO