Supplements can interact with medicines or cause harm at high doses.
Natural does not mean harmless. Some supplements affect clotting, blood pressure, blood sugar, liver or kidney function. Before surgery, during pregnancy or when taking other medicines, review your supplement list with a doctor or pharmacist.
Medical principle
Even non-prescription medicines can cause side effects and interactions. Medicine selection should consider the likely cause, age, pregnancy, liver and kidney disease, a history of stomach ulcers and other medicines.
Practical steps that may help
- Keep the names, doses and timing of all medicines and supplements on your phone or on paper.
- Check for products containing the same active ingredient to avoid unintended duplicate doses.
- Do not take someone else’s antibiotics, sedatives or other medicines; use medicines exactly as directed.
When should you seek medical care?
Reduced awareness, seizures, breathlessness, swelling of the face or throat, a sudden very severe headache, fever with neck stiffness, or severe unusual pain require immediate action.
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