Dr Amir Khan, a well-known ITV doctor, has issued a warning about the potential risks of mixing over-the-counter supplements with prescription medications. In a video shared on Instagram, he emphasised that while supplements are popular, they can interfere with drugs and cause serious side effects.
Dr Khan highlighted several common supplements that can cause interactions. St John's wort, often used for low mood, is a major culprit, as it can interfere with antidepressants, the contraceptive pill, blood thinners, and medications used after organ transplants. Turmeric or curcumin supplements, popular for inflammation, may increase bleeding risk when taken with blood thinners like warfarin.
Magnesium supplements can affect the absorption of antibiotics and thyroid medication, while calcium can reduce absorption of levothyroxine and some antibiotics. Vitamin K, important for bone health, can interfere with warfarin, affecting bleeding and clotting risk. Grapefruit juice, though not a supplement, can interact with statins and other medications by affecting drug breakdown.
Dr Khan stressed that supplements are not inherently bad, but urged anyone taking regular medication to inform their doctor about any supplements they use. 'The interaction we're worried about isn't always between two medications; it can be between medicine and something you thought was harmless,' he said.
