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Natural or herbal remedies are becoming more and more
popular for all sorts of ailments, from arthritis and
menopause symptoms to prostate problems, Alzheimer's
disease and cancer. But older people can put themselves
in danger by taking herbs that turn out to interact
badly with their other medications. Many seniors don't
tell their doctors that they're trying an herbal remedy,
but that can be a big mistake. Always let your doctor
know everything you're taking, including herbs, vitamins,
minerals, and over-the-counter medications. Here are
some risky combinations of drugs and natural remedies
to avoid:
- Ginkgo biloba, taken to prevent or treat Alzheimer's
disease, can cause excessive bleeding, especially
if you're taking ASA (Aspirin) or warfarin every day
to prevent blood clots.
- Other herbs you shouldn't take if you're on warfarin
are danshen, devil's claw, dong quai, garlic (in large
amounts), and papaya.
- Glucosamine sulfate, a popular arthritis remedy,
can block the effects of insulin, so be careful with
it if you're diabetic or overweight.
- St. John's Wort, used to relieve depression, can
interfere with many medications, including antidepressants
and drugs used by people with heart conditions or
AIDS or who've had organ transplants. It's best to
avoid this herb if you're on antidepressants or any
critical long-term medicines.
Remember, since many herbs do have important effects
on our bodies, consider them in the same light as you
would any medication or drug.
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