An estimated 60 percent of Americans use supplements to enhance their health. These products are pharmacologically active and naturally occurring. Since they are not “prescribed,” many people are unaware of the potential side effects to watch for ““ the types of “warnings” that normally accompany a traditional prescription when it is picked up at the pharmacy.
Despite their natural source, some supplements can contribute to prolonged and excessive bleeding during surgery, upon injury, with ulcers, and in seniors whose blood vessels tend to be more fragile. When combined with traditional medicines that affect blood clotting such as anticoagulents and antiplatelets (ex: Coumadin, Plavix, Aspirin) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ex: Motrin, Advil, Mobic), the risk of bleeding is increased.
It is essential that your physician know what supplements you are taking in order to avoid medical and surgical complications and to assure that you are not inadvertently complicating your daily well-being by taking a supplement that is actually contraindicated for you.
A good example is Ginko Biloba, used to assist with memory improvement and vascular disease. All of us want to maintain and potentially enhance our memory capability. However, Ginko increases the potential for bleeding around the brain and spinal cord. It should be discontinued prior to surgery, can cause a brain bleed in vulnerable individuals, and interferes with clotting particularly in combination with other medications that affect clotting.
To be safe, discuss with your pharmacist and inform your physician about any supplements you take. Be cautious about combining supplements and other medications/over the counter drugs that also increase bleeding.
The following chart lists the most common supplements known to increase bleeding.
Supplement Common Uses
| Baical Skullcap/Chinese Skullcap | Decrease irritability and dysentery |
| Bromelin | Decrease arthritis symptoms |
| Chinese Agrimony | Cough, colds, pain relief |
| Chinese Peony | Reduce gastric upset |
| Devil’s Claw | Reduce pain, fever and aid in digestion |
| Garlic | Lower blood pressure and cholesterol |
| Ginger | Relieve gastric distress, nausea |
| Ginseng | Increase physical and mental energy and enhance performance |
| Ginko | Enhance memory |
| Capsaicin (red chili pepper) | Pain relief, itching and psoriasis |
| Saw Palmetto | Treat enlarged prostate and urinary tract infections |
| Oil of Wintergreen | Inflammation, joint pain, and high blood pressure |
| Japanese Honeysuckle | Fever, sore throat, headache, and infection |
| Dan Shen | Atherosclerosis, insomnia, menstrual disorders, and prostatitis |
| Vitamin E | Anti-oxidant, heart health |
| Fish Oil | Heart health |
| Arnica Montana | Arthritis and muscle aches |
| Chondroitan and Glucosamine | Cartilage repair |
