Fish oil supplements contain the essential fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which have a variety of heart-health benefits. Benefits include decreased risk for heart attack, decreased triglycerides and regular heart rhythms. Some people with certain health conditions may be taking medications that conflict with fish oil and can cause harmful side effects. If you take any medications or herbal supplements, consult a doctor before using fish oil.
Anticoagulant or Antiplatelet Medications
The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil are natural blood thinners that prevent blood from forming clots. If you are already taking blood-thinning medications such as heparin, warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, losartan or furosemide, you should avoid fish oil supplements. Speak to your doctor. Signs you may be taking too many blood thinners include nosebleeds and skin bruising. You may also suffer from a severe hemorrhagic stroke.
Blood Pressure Medications
Blood pressure medications, also known as anti-hypertensive drugs, decrease blood pressure. However, combining blood pressure with fish oil may lead to dangerously low blood pressure levels. Examples of these anti-hypertensive medications include captopril, losartan, diltiazem and furosemide.
Birth Control Medications
One of the main reasons to take fish oil is to decrease triglycerides in the blood. Triglycerides lead to increased cholesterol levels. Some types of oral contraceptives may interfere with the triglyceride-lowering effects of fish oil. Birth control containing ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel or ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone may reduce the effectiveness of fish oil supplements.
Additional Herbal Supplements
Though many prescription medications conflict with fish oil, so do many over-the-counter herbal supplements. These substances include garlic, turmeric, willow and gingko. Discuss all herbal supplements you are considering with your doctor.
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