Herbal Remedies and Drugs Can Have Adverse Interactions for Seniors: Check With Your Doctors First

Senior Drug Interactions  |  January 13, 2025

What Families and Caregivers in Winnipeg, MB Need to Know About Adverse Interactions Between Herbal Remedies and Prescription Drugs

Herbal Remedies and Drugs | Just because herbal remedies are made of natural, plant-derived ingredients does not mean they are safe. When taken in combination with certain prescribed or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, they can pose health risks, sometimes life-threatening.

The elderly and persons with heart disease are especially vulnerable. On its Web site, the Mayo Clinic urges people to tell every physician involved in their care what herbal medications they take, as well as prescription and OTC drugs. And it is recommended that you talk with your physician before starting an herbal product.

An estimated 15 million Americans, and counting, use herbal medications or supplements. Used for centuries, herbal medications have become more risky today because many people take multiple medications, multiplying the chance of an adverse interaction.

Herbal Remedies and Drugs and the Adverse Interactions They Can Cause

Herbal products do not undergo the testing and scrutiny of drugs, which must be proven safe and effective before being released on the market. In addition, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) says on its Web site, FamilyDoctor.org, that herbal products may not be pure. Some contain other ingredients, such as plant pollen, as well as drugs that are not listed on the label, such as steroids or estrogens. Others, warns the AAFP, may contain toxic substances, such as arsenic, mercury, lead and pesticides.

Herbals can interact with drugs, reducing effectiveness or increasing potency to harmful degrees and can be particularly risky for heart patients.

The Mayo Clinic provides examples of herbs that can cause drug interactions for seniors:

• St. John’s Wort, used to treat depression, sleep disorders and anxiety, can reduce some medications’ effectiveness and lead to recurrence of arrhythmia, high blood pressure, heightened cholesterol levels and future heart problems.
• Ginkgo biloba, marketed to improve circulation and sharpen the mind, increases bleeding risk in persons taking aspirin or warfarin.

The AAFP says that seniors are at increased risk of problems associated with herbal products and recommends that consumers check with their doctor before taking herbal products, particularly if they have any of the following conditions:

• Blood clotting problems
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Enlarged prostate gland
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Immune system problems
• Psychiatric problems
• Parkinson’s disease
• Liver problems
• Stroke
• Thyroid problems

Individuals who will be having surgery also need to tell their doctor if they use herbal products, as they can cause bleeding and problems with anesthesia. The AAFP says that surgery patients should stop using herbal products at least two weeks before their procedure, depending on their doctor’s orders.

The AAFP provides online directories for seniors regarding herbal medications and supplements:

• Possible side effects
• A listing of some of the drugs that may interact with herbal products

In addition, the National Institutes of Health and the National Library of Medicine provide an online directory of information regarding herbal medications.

Comfort Keepers® Winnipeg can help provide a wide range of private home senior care services.

For families concerned about the health and well-being of aging loved ones, we can help with homecare services including, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, in-home personal care, respite care, specialized care, in-home nursing, end-of-life care, senior living transition services, and much more! 

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Our Interactive Caregiving™ approach enables top-notch homecare.

The Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs). Our compassionate caregivers can provide a personalized home care plan for your loved one, allowing them to enjoy a healthier, safer, and more meaningful retirement at home. 

Comfort Keepers® is the most trusted name in senior care in Winnipeg.

Our in-home caregivers ensure our seniors are physically, socially, and mentally engaged. In addition, we provide options, activities, events, and resources for seniors that might otherwise not be available.

In-Home Personal Care in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Our caregivers live and work in the Winnipeg area. We know the area and how to assist our clients using local resources. Comfort Keepers® Winnipeg is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible. If you live in Winnipeg and require homecare services for senior personal care and wellbeing, contact Comfort Keepers® at (204)-488-4600. 

Accredited Home Care for Seniors in Winnipeg

Comfort Keepers® Winnipeg is accredited with Exemplary Standing with Accreditation Canada. Accreditation is an intensive process in which industry experts examine an organization’s processes, policies, and procedures against quality standards. To achieve accredited status, Comfort Keepers® offices met or exceeded the rigorous standards for Home Care companies, as defined by Accreditation Canada.

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