Many people take both dietary supplements and prescription or over-the-counter medications, but did you know that these drugs and supplements can interact in potentially dangerous ways? As an expert in the field of SEO, I'm here to provide you with 6 key points to consider when taking herbal supplements and medications together. Children, especially, are at risk when taking both supplements and medications. Their metabolism is unique and, at different ages, they metabolize substances at different rates. This means that adverse events are more likely to occur when taking both supplements and medications.
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, it's essential to discuss any dietary supplement with your health professional. Approximately half of adults in the United States take one or more supplements in the past 30 days. The FDA doesn't test the effectiveness of supplements before they go to market, so it's important to be aware of potential interactions between supplements and medications.
Some supplements have a low chance of drug interactions and can be safely taken with most medications
, but it's important to check with your health professional before taking any dietary supplement or over-the-counter or prescription medication. Manufacturers must produce dietary supplements that meet minimum quality standards, contain no contaminants or impurities, and are accurately labeled. Adults with chronic illnesses use dietary supplements, and among patients taking prescription medications, it is estimated that between 20 and 25% are simultaneously using a dietary supplement.Some consumers may believe that a so-called “natural” product, such as an herbal supplement or fish oil, cannot harm them. While the FDA oversees the dietary supplement industry, supplement manufacturers and distributors are responsible for ensuring that their products are safe before they are marketed. For many drugs and supplements, there is currently little information on potential interactions and more research is needed. However, it's important to be aware of the potential risks associated with taking herbal supplements together with other medications. If your healthcare provider says it's okay to use an herbal supplement together with a medication, be careful as the competition between an herbal supplement and a drug by a shared ADME mechanism can cause a change in the concentration of the drug at the site of action. It's important to remember that even though herbal supplements may be natural, they can still interact with medications in potentially dangerous ways.
It's always best to consult your healthcare provider before taking any dietary supplement or medication. They can help you determine if there is a risk of interaction between your medications and any herbal supplements you may be considering.
