I have DVT. I take coumadin (warfarin). What does Gensing do to my blood and how much is too much?

Question

I have DVT. I take coumadin (warfarin). What does Gensing do to my blood and how much is too much?

Answer 1

Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: medications/products that may increase your risk of bleeding (e.g., "blood thinners" such as warfarin and heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, herbal products such as danshen/garlic/ginger), MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine), drugs that weaken the immune system (e.g., corticosteroids such as prednisone, drugs to prevent organ transplant rejection such as cyclosporine), drugs to treat diabetes (e.g., glyburide, insulin), "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide, bumetanide, ethacrynic acid), other herbal products (e.g., fenugreek, willow bark).

Aspirin may also increase the risk of bleeding when used with this product. If your doctor has prescribed low doses of aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams a day), you should continue to take the aspirin. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Caffeine can increase the side effects of this product. Avoid drinking large amounts of beverages containing caffeine (coffee, tea, certain soft drinks) and eating large amounts of chocolate.

Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients that could increase the side effects of ginseng. Decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine) and stimulants (e.g., caffeine, ephedra, ma huang) may worsen trouble sleeping, fast heartbeat, and increased blood pressure. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

If you are taking Siberian ginseng, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs/other products that cause drowsiness such as: anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep or anxiety (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., chlorpromazine, risperidone, amitriptyline, trazodone), other herbal products (e.g., kava, valerian), antihistamines in allergy and cough-and-cold products (e.g., diphenhydramine).

Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Answer 2

Ginseng can not be taken while on coumadin. None at all. It intereacts with coumadin causing decreased effectiveness. There are actually several herbal and prescription meds that can interfere. You should make sure your doctor and pharmacist know about all meds you take...even herbal or over the counter meds. This is NOT something to mess around with. Not having your blood thin enough could result in other clots. These could even go into your lungs and brain. The result could be very serious or even fatal. Also of importance is your intake of foods with Vitamin K. If you haven't received teaching on these things then you need to ask your doctor to set that up. The last web site I posted has a list of meds not to be taken while on coumadin.

Answer 3

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/200...

They found that after two weeks, daily doses of ginseng significantly reduced the blood levels and the anti-clotting effects of warfarin.

Since ginseng alone can promote bleeding and delay clot formation, the researchers were surprised to find that it reduced the anti-clotting effect of warfarin compared to those who took the placebo. They suspect that substances within ginseng may enhance the function of enzymes that break down warfarin, clearing it from the blood stream more rapidly.