Fish oil pills can benefit health because they contain omega-3 fatty acids. According to the Mayo Clinic, multiple studies support the use of fish oil to lower triglycerides and reduce the risk of death, heart attack, stroke and abnormal heart rhythms associated with heart disease. Omega-3s may also benefit diabetes, lupus, osteoporosis, psychological disorders, depression, vision, asthma, skin disease and certain cancers. On the other hand, fish oil pills can be dangerous at high doses and can interact with prescription medications, herbs and supplements. Medline Plus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health, recommends consulting a physician prior to taking fish oil pills.
Bleeding
Fish oil pills can increase the risk of bleeding by preventing the formation of blood clots, dissolving blood clots and prolonging bleeding time. High doses may cause blood in the urine or nose bleeds and extremely high doses have been associated with bleeding in the brain that causes a stroke. The University of Maryland Medical Center does not advocate fish oil pills for people with bleeding disorders or who bruise easily. Fish oil pills can also interact with medications like coumadin, warfarin, plavix and aspirin that are used to treat heart disease and thin the blood.
Hypotension
Medline Plus says fish oil and omega-3 supplements can cause a condition known as hypotension, or low blood pressure. The blood pressure-lowering capabilities of fish oil may benefit people with high blood pressure but can be dangerous for people with existing low blood pressure. Combining fish oil pills and medication that lowers blood pressure is dangerous because blood pressure may fall too low. Extreme hypotension can result in blurry vision, confusion, dizziness, fainting, sleepiness and weakness.
Hyperglycemia
Fish oil pills and omega-3 fatty acids can increase blood sugar and cause hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia is dangerous for diabetics and can lead to complications like vision problems, nerve damage and skin disorders. Medline Plus says omega-3s may not have a long-term effect on blood sugar but recommends that diabetics consult a physical prior to taking fish oil pills. According to the UMMC, fish oil pills can interact with diabetic medications like glipizide, glyburide, metformin and insulin and make them less effective.
High Cholesterol
According to Medline Plus omega-3 fatty acids may increase LDL cholesterol, the cholesterol that is typically considered bad cholesterol, although the increases observed in research subjects were only in the 5 to 10 percent range and were "dose dependent." On the other hand, according to the UMMC, increasing omega-3 intake in the diet enhance the effectiveness of LDL-lowering drugs.
Other Dangers
People with allergies or sensitivities to fish or shellfish should not take fish oil pills, according to the Mayo Clinic. In rare cases people with allergies have reported a rash. Other dangerous side effects of fish oil include abnormal liver function and episodes of mania in people who suffer from bipolar disorder or severe depression. Upset stomach, fishy after taste, nausea, diarrhea, heartburn and bloating are common side effects of fish oil pills but are not considered dangerous. The Mayo Clinic says digestive side effects of fish oil can be minimized by taking fish oil pills with food and gradually increasing the dosage.
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