Supplements and Medication Interactions - What to Avoid

Many people take supplements with medicines without realizing how they will interact in the body. They think they are just taking another medicine. But the science is different; drugs interact with each other if not taken with the correct method. In this article, we will discuss how drugs interact in the body, how to avoid them, and the best methods to take supplements with drugs.

Why Supplement & Medicine Interactions Matter

Drug Nutrient interaction is a serious issue. Its not as simple as you think. Even in some cases, it can be life-threatening. When supplements and medicines are taken together, they may affect each other in three ways

• Increase the effect of each other: They can either increase the effect of each drug, which can increase the effect beyond the bearable limit. They can be dangerous if not taken seriously. These supplements and drugs can interact and can increase the effect of each other. Warfarin and omega-3 with garlic, Warfarin and Vitamin E with Ginkgo biloba, Blood pressure medicines (calcium channel blockers), and Coenzyme Q10 with Omega-3, etc

• Decrease the effect of each other: Sometimes, they cancelout the effect of each other. In this way, they can reduce the effect of each other so that neither drug will work. These drugs and supplements can interact and decrease the effect of each other. St John’s Wort and Oral Contraceptives with Warfarin, Calcium / Iron Supplements and Levothyroxine with Certain Antibiotics, Green Tea / St John’s Wort and Nadolol (Beta-blocker) + Other Medications, etc.

• No effect on each other: If both drugs have a formula in which the ingredients will not react with each other. In this case, no effect will occur, and this is the only condition when you can take both medicines at the same time; Some combinations may not interact, but this should never be assumed without professional guidance. These drugs and supplements do not affect each other. Vitamin B12 and Magnesium with Acetaminophen (Paracetamol), Calcium Supplements and Vitamin C with Lamivudine (HIV drug), Single-ingredient Multivitamin and Levofloxacin (antibiotic) with Standard-dose Vitamin D, etc.

What Are Supplement and Medication Interactions?

When two drugs alter the effect of each other, it is called a drug-nutrient interaction. There are three types of drug interactions, which are given below:

1. Absorption interactions: When the rate and amount of drug absorption are altered by another drug, nutrient, or dietary supplement is called an absorption interaction. They can lead to a decrease or, less commonly, an increase in the drug absorption effect.

2. Metabolism interactions: It involves the alteration of a drug, nutrient, or chemical process due to natural enzymes in the liver. This process increases the toxicity and reduces the efficacy of the drug.

3. Effect interactions: When two drugs interact with each other or alter the effect of one or both drugs is called an effect interaction. This can increase or decrease the effect of a medicine.

Why These Interactions Are Common in Pakistan

In Pakistan, most people first of all try to self-medicate. They use herbal and traditional medicine to common sessional disease like flu, fever, cough, etc. These traditional remedies move from their forefathers. But when it comes to the use of drugs or dietary supplements, they don’t consider the risks of these drugs. Lack of awareness is one of the top reasons for the unnecessary usage of such drugs. Even for advanced drugs, many people first of all try self-medication instead of consulting with doctors. They mix drugs without realizing the drugs nutrient interaction.

Common Supplements That Interact With Medicines

Supplements interact with drugs, other supplements, vitamins, or some superfoods. Here is a list of common supplements that can interact.

• Vitamin K can interact with blood thinners.

• Calcium and iron can reduce the absorption of thyroid or antibiotic medicines.

• Magnesium interferes with some heart and antibiotic drugs.

• St John’s Wort reduces the effectiveness of many medicines. 

• Ginkgo biloba increases bleeding risk. 

• Garlic supplements affect blood pressure and bleeding.

• Protein powders and creatine may stress the kidneys when combined with certain medicines. 

These are some common drugs that interact with other drugs or dietary supplements.

Medicines Most Affected by Supplements

When you use supplements of these categories, always beaware because they can interact, so it is always better to consult with a healthcare professional before taking such medicines. 

• Blood thinners

• Diabetes medicines

• Blood pressure medicines 

• Thyroid medicines 

• Antidepressants 

• Heart medicines 

• Antibiotics

Supplements You Should Avoid With Certain Medicines

Some supplements look harmless, but they can interact with each other, so always take serious of such supplements. I will provide you with a list of supplements you have to avoid mixing.

• Blood thinners with vitamin K or ginkgo biloba

• Antidepressants with St John’s Wort

• Thyroid medicines with calcium or iron 

• Blood pressure drugs with high-dose garlic

• Diabetes medicine with chromium or herbal glucose-lowering products.

All of them alter the effect of each other. Some of them increased the effect will other decrease. Both conditions are harmful. 

How to Take Supplements Safely With Medicines

When you visit your doctor. Always told him all the medicine you are taking so he/she could consider those drugs too. Some people start taking herbal supplements without asking this can be dangerous. Don’t take them on their own. Self-medication can be dangerous. If you have to take medicines that have the possibility of interacting with each other, then take them at different times. It will help reduce the chances of interacting. Never exceed the recommended dosage because mega doses can be harmful. If you are taking medicine, always check the new side effects. Some counterfeit products can also cause harm; to avoid such problems, always buy from reliable sources.

Conclusion

Supplements are useful but not risk-free. Because some of them can interact with each other. If they interact with other then it can be serious but preventable. To avoid such complication always consult with a healthcare professional before use. If two intractable drugs are advised, then consume them at different times to avoid their interaction.

FAQs 

Can I take supplements with medicines daily?

Some combinations are safe, others are not. Because safety depends on the type of supplements, dose, and medicines.

Which supplements should not be taken with medicines?

St John’s Wort, ginkgo biloba, garlic, calcium, iron, magnesium, and vitamin K can interact with each other. Avoid these supplements when taken with medicines.

Do vitamins reduce medicine effectiveness?

Yes, some vitamins and minerals can reduce absorption or change how medicine works.