Herbal Supplements and Arthritis Drugs Can Be Dangerous Mix

Not all dietary supplements are safe if you are taking arthritis medications. According to a study in the May 2005 issue of Annals of The Rheumatic Diseases, researchers anonymously surveyed 238 arthritis patients from three clinics in England about the arthritis drugs and supplements they took, as well as their knowledge of possible interactions.

• 44 percent reported taking an herbal or dietary supplement in the last 6 months
• Only about 25 percent of those who took a supplement were aware of any risk
• Many who were not aware of the risk said their doctor told them is was "ok"
• 1 in 3 had taken cod liver oil
• 1 in 5 had taken glucosamine and/or chondroitin
• 1 in 10 reported taking supplements known to interact with some arthritis medications.
• 5 of 120 patients taking DMARDs raised their risk of liver toxicity by taking echinacea.
• 10% of patients taking NSAIDs increased their risk of bleeding problems by taking ginkgo biloba, garlic, and devil's claw.

Related Resources:

• More About Dietary Supplements
• More About Arthritis Medications
• Arthritis Drugs: What are My Options?
• The Facts of Dietary Supplements
• The Facts of Botanical Dietary Supplements
• What Dietary Supplements Are You Taking?
• Arthritis Supplements Lack Active Ingredients

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