Many Americans consider taking fish oil for cardiovascular benefits. According to Consumer Lab's Feb. 2010 survey, fish oil was the most common supplement taken among 6,012 adults surveyed. Fish oil benefits include decreasing heart attacks, strokes and triglyceride levels. Still, taking the supplement may cause unhealthy interactions. Though fish oil is easily accessible over the counter, it is important to talk to your medical professional prior to taking the supplement.
Anticoagulant and Antiplatelet Drugs
MedlinePlus warns to take caution when combining fish oil supplements and blood thinning drugs. These drugs include warfarin, heparin, clopidogrel, dalteparin and enoxaparin. Your blood will not clot as quickly when taking both fish oil and these medications, and you are at higher risk of uncontrolled bleeding. Side effects may include bleeding gums, blood in urine, nosebleeds and skin bruising. Taking high doses of fish oil is possibly unsafe.
Blood Pressure Medications
Fish oil naturally reduces blood pressure by widening blood vessels. If you are also taking blood pressure medication, take caution. Your blood pressure may drop to unhealthy levels leading to hypotension, or low blood pressure. Signs and symptoms of hypotension include dizziness, confusion and loss of consciousness.
Supplements
Similar to prescription medications, some supplements also decrease your blood clotting times. These supplements include ginkgo, red clover, willow, angelica, dansheen, turmeric and others, according to MedlinePlus.
Fish oil may also reduce the absorption of vitamin E in the body, though medical professionals are not sure exactly why this occurs when taking fish oil supplements, reports MedlinePlus.
Always talk to your health care provider before adding any type of supplement, including fish oil into your daily health regimen.
Birth Control
Fish oil supplements are effective for lowering blood triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are fatty substances in the blood that may lead to coronary heart disease. If you are taking an oral birth control, the fish oil may no longer decrease triglycerides. Birth control that interact with the supplement include ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone.
Additional Warning
High doses of fish oil might interfere with the body's ability to fight infection. This is a special concern for people taking medications that suppress immune system activity -- HIV/AIDS patients, for example --- and the elderly.
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