Herbal supplements are gaining popularity with every age group. They are promoted as being natural and healthy, and so they are for the most part. Being natural doesn't necessarily mean being safe in combination with other medications, though. Your pharmacist is well-trained to pick up on dangerous drug interactions, but, when we buy supplements we don't usually check out through the pharmacy. Our pharmacists won't be able to flag iffy combinations if they don't know about them. If your elder (or you) is taking supplements, you would be wise to run the list past a good pharmacist who can check for any possible red flags with your prescribed drugs.

I recently received a list of some of the more common dangerous supplement/drug interactions:

Dong Quai: Can interact with warfarin, estrogens, photosensitizing drugs, anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, and a number of other medications;

Echinacea: Should be used with caution with immunosuppressive
therapies;

Ginkgo Biloba: Can interact with Warfarin, NSAIDs, and MAO inhibitors;

Glucomannan: Delays absorption of glucose and should avoided by diabetics;

Kava: Can interact with CNS depressants and benzodiazepines;

Siberian Ginseng: Can increase digoxin levels

If your pharmacist looks alarmed about anything please consult with your doctor about any changes you might want to consider.