Some ingredients in dietary supplements can have a substantial effect on the body. Speak to a healthcare professional before you take supplements.
Do you take vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements when you take OTC or prescription medications? Are there any risks associated with mixing drugs and nutritional supplements?
It could. Some dietary supplements may affect a medicine’s absorption, metabolism, or excretion rate. This can change the potency of a medication. You may get too much, or not enough, of what you need.
The dangers of mixing dietary supplements and medications
Dietary Supplements are used widely and can include vitamins, minerals, and other substances that may be less familiar, such as amino acids, botanicals, and botanically derived ingredients. In the U.S., tens of millions of Americans take dietary supplements in conjunction with prescription medications.
Combining dietary supplements and medication can have life-threatening and dangerous effects. St. John’s wort is an herbal supplement that can reduce the effectiveness of drugs to treat HIV/AIDS, depression, heart disease, organ transplant treatments, and birth control pills. The results may be severe depending on the medication.
Warfarin (a prescription-only blood thinner), ginkgo (an herbal supplement), vitamin E, aspirin, and ginkgo (an accessory) can all thin the blood. Together, these products can increase the risk of internal bleeding and stroke.
Don’t Assume “Natural” Means Safe
Some consumers believe that “natural” products, like fish oil or herbal supplements, cannot harm them. Natural doesn’t always mean safe.
Many weight loss products, for example, claim to be “all-natural” or “herbal,” but their ingredients can interact with medications or be dangerous for those with certain medical conditions.
Precautions to be taken by children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
Both supplements and medications can be harmful to children. The metabolism of children is unique. They metabolize substances differently at different ages. Ingesting dietary supplements with other drugs can have adverse effects on children. If you are pregnant or nursing, you must consult your doctor before taking any supplements.
Considerations before Surgery
Certain dietary supplements may interact negatively with your medications before, during, or after surgery. Your doctor may ask you to stop taking supplements two to three weeks before the surgery to prevent potentially dangerous changes to heart rate, blood pressure, or bleeding risks.
What is the FDA’s role in dietary supplements?
The FDA oversees the dietary supplements industry, but supplement manufacturers and distributors are responsible for ensuring that their products are safe for use before they are marketed. The FDA requires that manufacturers produce safe dietary supplement products, meet quality standards, and do not contain contaminants.
Before supplements are placed on the market, the FDA does not evaluate their effectiveness. This is in contrast to OTC and prescription drugs. The FDA must be notified if a new dietary ingredient is included in the supplement. However, it will not review the effectiveness of the element.
If the FDA finds that a product is adulterated or misbranded, for example, because its ingredient is dangerous, they can take action against the manufacturer. The FDA can also take enforcement action against products illegally marketed and marketed as drugs.
Speak to Your Doctor Before Taking Supplements
Before you take any dietary supplement or medication–over-the-counter or prescription–it is essential to discuss it with your health care professional.
Bring a list with you to every appointment you have with a doctor. Include all of the medications and dietary supplements you take. Include dosages and the number of times you take each prescription or dietary supplement daily. Some people prefer to put all their accessories and medicines in one bag before going to the doctor.
Call your doctor before adding any dietary supplements to your routine. Tell them what medications and supplements you are taking.
Tell your doctor if anything has changed in your health, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, or recently had an illness or surgery.
The Most Dangerous Medicines Around the World
In every part of the world, drug abuse and addiction are rising. The group that illegally promotes and sells drugs has proven unbeatable despite the government’s rigid campaign to tackle these problems.
Like other pharmaceutical companies, Independent Pharmacy Distributor has made it their responsibility to protect clients and customers in various ways. One of these is by providing information.
You should know that the following drugs are among the world’s most dangerous substances.
Prednisone and Cortisone
This type of medicine works best when consumed for a short period. If it is taken longer than the specified time,health it becomes a poison that can kill the body while it’s still alive.
The following side effects may occur if you use prednisone and cortisone for a more extended period:
Coumadin or Warfarin
They are commonly known as blood thinners prescribed to patients at risk of strokes or heart attacks. These drugs weaken blood vessels and cell walls, which can cause excessive bleeding if not appropriately taken by the patient.
It is better to take supplements such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E to prevent heart attacks and strokes than to become addicted to these dangerous drugs.
Methotrexate
The drug used to cure cancer patients with chemotherapy has become controversial within the pharmaceutical industry. Some patients have survived all of their chemotherapy treatments, but others succumbed due to the increased strength of the chemical. This also causes the death of non-cancer cells.
This drug has several effects.
Prozac
Millions of people around the world use the drug to reduce the symptoms of depression. At least 12 million people use it around the world. Prozac is not only a drug that helps a person deal with depression but also leads to addiction as it changes the mechanism in the brain, which balances serotonin levels.
You can reduce the drug’s effect by engaging in aerobic exercise such as walking, running, or swimming. The drug’s results will be reduced by altering the brain chemistry.