Don't
Forget to Tell Doctor About Herbs
Herbal
supplements are popular, and they're taken for conditions ranging
from depression to migraine to memory problems. However, these herbal
remedies often have active ingredients and may have dangerous side
effects, especially when combined with prescription drugs.
Be
sure to tell your doctor and your pharmacist which herbal supplements
you are using so they can advise you of any potentially harmful
combinations with your prescription drugs.
Before
combining alternative therapies and standard pharmaceuticals, it
is prudent to learn if they are compatible. Neither prescription
drugs nor dietary supplements provide much information about interactions
on their labels.
Well
before any surgery it is crucial to discuss medications, over-the-counter
drugs, herbs and dietary supplements with the surgeon and anesthesiologist.
It's especially important for your surgeon to know of any herbal
remedies you're taking prior to a surgical procedure in case the
herbs affect your blood-clotting capabilities. One of the more complete
Internet sites about herbs, over-the-counter medicines and home
remedies is Joe and Terry Graedon's People's Pharmacy at www.peoplespharmacy.com
See also ...
Going
to the Doctor
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