New Study Finds Concurrent Use of Prescription Drugs and Dietary Supplements Could Pose Health Risks

A study published in the British Journal of General Practice found using certain over-the-counter herbal medicines and dietary supplements in conjunction with prescription drugs could pose serious health risks, especially among older adults, reports Medical Xpress . The dangers include alterations in the concentration or effects of drugs such as blood pressure treatments, statins, and aspirin, and the most serious outcomes are related to higher blood glucose concentration, risk of bleeding, and reducing the effectiveness of a prescription drug. The researchers found 33 percent of 149 participants aged 65 and up used herbal medicines and dietary supplements bought over the counter, by self-prescription. Forty-three percent of participants were female, versus 23 percent male. In addition, some people were taking up to eight different alternative medicines and supplements, making them particularly at risk due to co-morbidities, metabolic changes, and the body's reduced ability to absorb prescription drugs associated with aging. Common remedies with potential drug interaction risks include evening primrose oil, St. John's wort, and ginkgo, while supplements with potential interactions include glucosamine and Omega3 fish oil. "The potential risk of interactions with certain combinations of prescription drugs, herbal medicines, and dietary supplements shows the need for healthcare professionals to routinely ask questions regarding the use of other medications that are not prescribed," says the University of Hertfordshire's Taofikat Agbabiaka. "This would help to initiate conversations about wider herbal and dietary supplement use and their possible interactions to help increase ... safety."