Nutrition & Medication Interactions

    CAUTION with medication and dietary supplements use. All
    medications have side-effects, and all dietary supplements can
    potentially interact with prescription and over-the-counter medication.
    Be VERY cautious about taking an dietary or herbal supplement if
    you're currently taking:

	Blood pressure medications
	Blood thinners (anticoagulants, anti-platelet agents, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen)
	Diabetes medications
	Drugs that affect the liver
	Heart medications
	Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

DID YOU KNOW, medications and dietary supplements can react with food?

Here are some examples of common food-drug interactions:

	Antibiotics decrease calcium absorption
	Caffeine-containing beverages decrease effect of iron supplements
	Calcium-containing foods decrease effect of iron supplements
	Fiber decreases effect of iron supplements
	Garlic increases effect of Coumadin (warfarin)
	Grapefruit juice reduces the effect of cholesterol-lowering drugs; also increases effect of some heart medications making them potentially toxic
	Onion increases effect of Coumadin (warfarin)
	Vitamin C increases absorption of iron
	Vitamin E increases effect of Coumadin (warfarin)
	Vitamin K reverses the effects of Coumadin (warfarin)

**Adapted from the American Pharmaceutical Association

KNOW what medications you are taking and why. ASK questions about its function and possible side effects. VOICE concerns. TELL your doctor about other prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements you are taking. SEEK guidance from a registered dietitian (RD) in reducing food-drug interactions, while maintaining optimal nutrition. Call 678-234-0225 for help planning the timing of your meals and medications or supplements to reduce food-drug interactions and side effects.

The following links* offer additional information and resources on medication & supplements safety.

Drug Interactions

www.drugdigest.com

www.worstpills.org

Herbal & Dietary Supplements

www.consumerlab.com

www.supplementwatch.com

www.naturaldatabaseconsumer.com

www.herbalgram.org

You can report serious adverse reactions associated with the use of an FDA-regulated drug, biologic, medical device or dietary supplement. Click here to link to MedWatch, maintained by the US Food & Drug Administration.

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