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Possible Interactions with: Omega-3 Fatty Acids

If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use omega-3 fatty acid supplements without first talking to your healthcare provider.

Blood-thinning Medications
Omega-3 fatty acids may increase the blood-thinning effects of aspirin or warfarin. While the combination of aspirin and omega-3 fatty acids may actually be helpful under certain circumstances (such as heart disease), they should only be taken together under the guidance and supervision of your healthcare provider.

Cyclosporine

Taking omega-3 fatty acids during cyclosporine therapy may reduce toxic side effects (such as high blood pressure and kidney damage) associated with this medication in transplant patients.

Etretinate and Topical Steroids
The addition of omega-3 fatty acids (specifically EPA) to a drug regimen of etretinate and topical corticosteroids may improve symptoms of psoriasis.

Cholesterol-lowering Medications
Following certain nutritional guidelines, including increasing the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet and reducing the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, may allow a group of cholesterol lowering medications known as "statins" (such as atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin) to work more effectively.

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
In an animal study, treatment with omega-3 fatty acids reduced the risk of ulcers from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). More research is needed to evaluate whether omega-3 fatty acids would have the same effects in people.


Drug Interactions
Blood-thinning Medications
Cyclosporine
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Topical Corticosteroids

RELATED INFORMATION
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
  Uses of this Supplement
Acne
Anorexia Nervosa
Anxiety
Asthma
Atherosclerosis
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Breast Cancer
Burns
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Colorectal Cancer
Crohn's Disease
Depression
Diabetes Mellitus
Glaucoma
Hypercholesterolemia
Hypertension
Lyme Disease
Macular Degeneration
Menstrual Pain
Migraine Headache
Osteoarthritis
Osteoporosis
Peptic Ulcer
Photodermatitis
Prostate Cancer
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Stroke
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Ulcerative Colitis
  Supplements with Similar Uses
View List by Use
  Drugs that Interact
Summary
Blood-thinning Medications
Cyclosporine
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Topical Corticosteroids
  Supplements with Similar Side Effects
View List by Side Effect
  Supplements with Similar Warnings
View List by Warning
  Learn More About
Nutrition
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The information on this Website is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation or care from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. If you have a medical problem or a health-related question, consult your physician or call Health On-Call at 336-716-2255 or 1-800-446-2255.

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