Herbal supplements and prescription medicines

About half of adults in the United States say they have used one or more supplements in the past 30 days. Many older adults use them. But many people who take herbal supplements do not tell their healthcare professionals. And many people who use supplements also take medicines ordered for them by their healthcare professionals, called prescription medicines.

Many herbal supplements may interact with heart disease medicines. For example, many herbal supplements that people use interact with the blood thinner warfarin (Jantoven).

That's why you need to talk with your healthcare professional before you take herbal supplements if you also take prescription medicines. Your healthcare professional and pharmacist can help you stay away from unsafe interactions.