Review Your Medicines and Supplements
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It’s easy to think of vitamins and supplements as separate from your prescription medicines. After all, you can buy many supplements without a prescription. But “natural” doesn’t automatically mean harmless, and some supplements can affect how medicines work or increase the risk of side effects.
This becomes particularly important if you take several prescription medicines. A supplement you’ve been using for years may still be relevant when your GP or pharmacist reviews your treatment.
Make a complete list of everything you take. Include prescription medicines, over-the-counter painkillers, vitamins, herbal products, and supplements. Write down the dose and how often you use each one, and take the list to your next appointment.
Don’t forget occasional products. An antihistamine you take during allergy season, a pain reliever you use for headaches, or a herbal remedy you take when you’re having trouble sleeping may all be worth mentioning.
Some supplements can affect the way medicines are absorbed or broken down by the body. Others may increase bleeding risk or alter blood pressure or blood glucose. The potential effects depend on the particular combination, which is why it’s better to have your full list reviewed than to rely on assumptions.
Your pharmacist can be particularly useful here. They can check for potential interactions and answer questions about how to take your medicines safely. If you’re considering starting a new supplement, ask before adding it to your routine.
Don’t stop a prescribed medicine because you’re concerned about an interaction. Speak with your GP or pharmacist first so they can advise you safely.
A medication review is about making sure everything you’re taking still has a good reason to be there and that the combination is appropriate for you. A five-minute conversation with your healthcare team could prevent a problem you didn’t know was possible.
