Yes, many dietary and herbal supplements carry a significant risk of interfering with prescription and over-the-counter medications, potentially altering the drug's effectiveness or increasing the risk of adverse side effects. This interference often occurs because supplements and medications utilize the same cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme pathways in the liver for metabolism; a supplement can either inhibit these enzymes, leading to toxic levels of the drug in the bloodstream, or induce them, causing the medication to be cleared too quickly, rendering it ineffective. For instance, the herb St. John's Wort is notorious for powerfully inducing these enzymes, reducing the concentration of many drugs (like oral contraceptives and certain heart medications), while supplements like Ginkgo Biloba can increase the risk of bleeding when taken alongside blood thinners. Due to these complex metabolic interactions, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist about all supplements being taken before starting any new medication.Read article - Can Supplements Interfere With Medication? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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