Herbal-prescription interaction awareness month | va washington dc health care | veterans affairs

July is designated as Herbal-Prescription Interaction Awareness Month to educate consumers about the risks associated with taking herbal supplements before consulting your doctor. The slogan

“All Natural” is often used as a marketing tool to highlight products as healthy, dietary supplements. However, while some dietary and herbal supplements come from natural sources and offer

health benefits, the term “natural” does not always mean something is safe for you to consume. Washington DC VA Medical Center’s Chief of Pharmacy, Ivan Cephas, Pharm. D, explains why the

term “all-natural” is not synonymous with “good-for-you.” “Herbal supplements are difficult to predict because they are not regulated by the FDA like prescription drugs. There are typically

no studies or trials held to test how they interact with other medications or health conditions,” he said. A study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, showed a

relation between herbal supplements like Green Tea and Ginkgo Biloba, with a reduced absorption and metabolism of prescription medications in the body. For patients on blood thinners or

blood pressure medication, herbal supplements can interact with the prescribed medication and result in bleeding problems. These are just a few of the many dangerous side-effects that can

occur when you add unknown supplements to your regimen without consulting your doctor. “What works for me may not work for you.  And if it does work for you at first, it may affect you

differently every time you use it,” said Cephas. “You should always consult your health care team before changing you medication or supplement intake.” When seeking medical guidance on

herbal supplements, Cephas said to provide as much information about the supplement, like its name and amount you wish to take, with your primary care team. They can compare it to your

medical records to determine if it is compatible, or if your prescription medications can be altered to safely accommodate the supplement. “Ultimately, you are at the center of your health

care team. Your opinion matters and we aren’t trying to discourage you from taking something that can benefit you, we just want to ensure that it will not impact your health in a negative

way,” he said. “By being honest about what you’re taking, we can advise you safely.” Cephas stressed the importance of having an open relationship with your VA Primary Care Team, and that

pharmacists are often the most accessible part of that team. “You can walk into almost any pharmacy and ask for medical advice for free,” he said. “You don’t need an appointment to see us,

and everyone on our pharmacy team goes out of their way to provide the best experience to Veterans. We are dedicated to serving you like you have served us.” To contact the Washington DC VA

Medical Center Pharmacy, visit: Pharmacy | VA Washington DC Health Care | Veterans Affairs