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Welcome to Butterfly News February. If you know anyone who would
like to subscribe, forward them a copy of this newsletter, or send
them along to http://www.uklupus.co.uk/bnews.html
This month, I've written an article about taking herbal
medicines & dietary supplements with prescription medications.
ARE YOU SAFE
TAKING HERBAL MEDICINES?
How many of you take herbal remedies or other dietary
supplements? How many of you are on prescription medication? If
you've answered yes to both of these questions, read on.
Many people assume that because herbs are 'natural',
they must be safe to take. Wrong. Belladonna is 'natural', and is
also know as Deadly Nightshade. And it's not called 'Deadly' for
the fun of it! Of course, many herbs are safe to take and can do
people a lot of good. I personally take different herbal remedies,
along with my prescription medications. I must admit that when I
first saw some of the information in this article I was shocked
at how dangerous it can be to 'blindly' take supplements.
I would always advise people considering taking any
form of herbal remedy, dietary supplement, or other complementary
therapy, to first consult their doctor, and wherever possible to
seek advise from a registered professional, be that a herbalist,
aromatherapist or other practitioner.
As you will see from the list below, many herbs interact
with Non- Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), and blood-thinning
drugs, which of course many people with lupus take.
HERBS
Bromelain (Pineapple enzyme) - May increase the effect
of blood- thinning drugs (e.g. Warfarin, Heparin).
Cat's Claw - May increase the risk of bleeding if
taken with blood- thinning drugs (e.g. Warfarin, Heparin).
Cayenne Pepper - Reports of possible interaction with
MAO inhibitors and antihypertensive therapy (used to lower blood
pressure). In large quantities, may cause damage to liver and kidneys.
Chamomile - Contains coumarin, but chamomile's effects
on the body's anticoagulation system have not been studied. If used
with anticoagulants such as warfarin, close monitoring by a doctor
is advised.
Devil's Claw - May interfere with antacids, cardiac
or diabetic medications. Use with caution is taking NSAIDs, which
can irritate the stomach, as it can stimulate stomach acids.
DHEA - May cause liver damage if taking azathioprine
or methotrexate. Can increase insulin resistance or sensitivity
in diabetics.
Dong Quai - May interact with blood-thinning medications
(e.g. Warfarin, Heparin). May increase sun sensitivity.
Echinacea - May be toxic to the liver if used for
more than eight weeks. Should not be used with drugs that can cause
liver problems, such as anabolic steroids, amiodarone, methotrexate
and ketoconazole. Should not be given with immunosuppressants such
as corticosteroids and cyclosporine because it can stimulate the
immune system.
Evening primrose oil and borage (GLA) - Should not
be used with anticonvulsants because they may lower the seizure
threshold. Not recommended for patients diagnosed with schizophrenia.
May increase the effects of anticoagulants and NSAIDs.
Feverfew - Effect on migraine headaches may be compromised
by non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
May increase blood-thinning effect of Warfarin or other anticoagulants,
including NSAIDs. Not to be used if pregnant, as it may cause miscarriage.
Fish Oil (Omega-3 fatty acids) - May increase the
blood-thinning effects of anticoagulants and NSAIDs.
Garlic - Should not be used with warfarin or other
anticoagulents, because it affects clotting. May also interact with
hypoglycemic medications, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Ginger - Should not be used with warfarin because
it affects clotting. Do not use if you have gallstones. Large quantities
may interfere with cardiac, antidiabetic or anticoagulant (Warfarin,
Heparin) therapy.
Gingko - Can inhibit clotting so should not be used
with aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or with
anticoagulants such as warfarin or heparin. Also should not be used
in conjunction with anticonvulsant drugs used by epileptics, such
as carbamazepine, phenytoin and phenobarbital, or with tricyclic
antidepressants.
Ginseng - Should not be used with warfarin, heparin,
aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs because
it can inhibit clotting. Also may cause headache, tremulousness
and manic episodes in patients treated with phenelzine sulfate.
Should not be used with estrogens or corticosteroids because it
may add to those drugs' side effects. May also interfere with the
heart drug digoxin or with digoxin monitoring. Should not be used
by diabetics because it can affect blood glucose levels.
Goldenseal - Should be avoided by people with high
blood pressure. May interfere with anticoagulant therapy (Heparin).
Karela - Should not be used by patients with diabetes
because it can affect blood glucose levels.
Kava - Should not be used with the tranquilliser alprazolam
because it may result in coma. Do not take with sleeping medications
or tranquilisers.
Kelp - May interfere with thyroid replacement therapies.
Liquorice - Can offset the effect of the diuretic
drug spironolactone. May also interfere with heart drug digoxin
or with digoxin monitoring. Potassium loss due to other drugs, e.g.,
thiazide diuretics, can be increased.
Melatonin - Appears to boost the immune system, so
should be avoided by people with autoimmune diseases including lupus.
St. John's Wort - Can produce skin reactions to light
so fair-skinned users may wish to take care and anyone taking other
drugs that cause light sensitivity, such as piroxicam or tetracycline,
may want to avoid this herb. The active ingredient in St. John's
Wort is uncertain, so it should not be used with two common types
of psychiatric drugs called monoamine oxidase inhibitors and selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Tannic acid in the herb may inhibit
absorption of iron. Can block the effects of drugs, including oral
contraceptives, tricyclic antidepressants, cyclosporin, several
heart drugs and warfarin.
Stinging Nettle - May increase the effects of tranquilisers
and sedative drugs. May decrease the effect of certain cardiac and
diabetic drugs.
Valerian - Should not be used with barbiturates, such
as thiopental and pentobarbital -can cause excessive sedation. Do
not use if taking tranquilisers or sleep medications, as it increases
the effect.
White willow bark - Aspirin is made from the drug
salaicin, which is contained in White Willow Bark .Do not take with
aspirin or other NSAIDs, as it increases their effects. May increase
the effects of anticoagulant drugs (e.g. Warfarin, Heparin).
VITAMINS
Vitamin A - People with osteoarthritis shouldn't
exceed the RDA (700 mcg for women, 900 mcg for men).
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) - May interfere with diabetic
drugs.
Calcium - Do not take if you have a history of kidney
stones.
Vitamin E - May increase risk of bleeding in people
taking anticoagulants (e.g. Warfarin, Heparin).
Magnesium - May interact with blood pressure medications.
Zinc Sulfate - May interfere with glucocorticoids
and other immunosuppressive drugs.
For more information on other therapies, see our Complementary
Therapies section on the website - http://www.uklupus.co.uk/compindex.html
© Copyright 2002 Joanne Forshaw / The Lupus Site http://www.uklupus.co.uk
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