Harmful effects from supplements account for approximately 23,000 emergency room (ER) visits each year, while adverse medication reactions result in 1.3 million ER visits annually.
And if supplements and certain medications are taken together, they can also cause a negative reactions. The side effects range widely from increasing or decreasing the medicinal effect or causing a toxic reaction. While it's always important to consult a doctor before using medication, here are some examples of supplement and medication combinations that could cause health issues.
Omega-3 fatty acids, most commonly found in fish oil supplements, are used to mitigate heart disease, high blood pressure, and triglyceride reduction.
Researchers believe that omega-3 has an antithrombotic effect, so taking it with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs can lead to an increased risk of bleeding. Along with that, research also suggests that high levels of omega-3 may also decrease the effectiveness of hormone-based birth control.
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