Are these prescription meds OK to take with these natural supplements?

Question

Prescriptions:

Yaz (birth control)

Spironolactone

Metformin

Natural supplements:

Acidophilus

Saw Palmetto

Chromium Picolinate

L-Lysine

Cranberry

Cinnamon

Answer 1

You should always advise your doctor if you are taking natural medicines. Sometimes they can react with prescription medicines. Also talk to the dispensing chemist.

Answer 2

First of all, just because something is "natural" does not mean it is safe or without any harmful effects. Poison Ivy and Hemlock are both "natural" but I don't recommend using or ingesting them on a daily basis!

Secondly, just wondering why you're taking spironolactone and Yaz when the hormone in Yaz is related to spironolactone and therefore the two combined can increase the risk of your potassium levels going too high.

And what is the Saw Palmetto for? I've only seen that recommended for prostate problems in men.

I do not know of any problems with mixing these supplements and prescriptions and I do know there are positive effects from Acidophilus, especially if you've recently been on an antibiotic. I've seen mixed reviews of Chromium, Lysine, and Cinnamon so I think the jury is still out on those and specific doses have yet to be determined but I know that there has been NO scientific study that has ever proven that cranberry supplements do anything. They do not prevent or cure urinary tract infections or whatever else they claim. **Possibly** the berries may have some antioxidents in them but they are no better than blueberries.

The problem with answering your question is that there is no good research or studies done on supplements, alone or in combination with prescription drugs. We only find out about the problem ones, like ephedra or kava kava after enough people drop dead or develop liver problems from taking them. (Or a couple of smart lawyers file a class action lawsuit against a company, like Airborne, for false claims/advertising.)

Answer 3

you  should  ask  your  doctor

Answer 4

As always, ask a pharmacist or doctor, but the only natural supplement that stands out as potentially harmful to take with Rx meds is the Chromiumn Picolinate.

That's because CP may be able to change form, and some chromium (hexavalent) is very dangerous, and even if that isn't true, CP is used with L-Carnitine for weight-loss and natural metabolism production.  I'd be leary when dealing with the metabolism as it might intefere or change the way the Prescription meds act and possibly react.

Answer 5

Yes, talk to your doctor in case there is conflict between the meds and the supplements.  You prob won't need the supplements.

Answer 6

should be fine as they are natural medicines

but just to be on the safe side ask your pharmacist, dont bother going to the doctor to ask, they'll charge you 50$ when a pharmacist will tell you for free!

one thing also to take note of, if you take any vitamin c tablets or consume a high concentrate of foods with vitamin c it can actually cancel out the pill!!