If you've taken a fish oil supplement, chances are you've been perplexed by the "DHA" and "EPA" levels noted on the supplement bottle. DHA -- or docosahexaenoic acid -- and EPA -- or eicosapentaenoic acid -- are two types of omega-3 fatty acids, an essential fatty acid your body needs to keep your heart and central nervous system healthy. Though most often present with EPA in fish oil supplements, DHA is also available as an algae extract that doesn't contain EPA. Before using DHA, talk with your doctor about the potential effects this supplement may have on prescription drugs.
Diabetes Drugs
DHA may lower your blood sugar, which may enhance the effects of diabetes drugs. Avoid combining these treatments, because you may be at risk of developing hypoglycemia, or severely low blood sugar. When your body doesn't have enough sugar, you may feel fatigued, dizzy, shaky, sweaty or unusually hungry.
Blood Pressure Medications
Treatment with DHA can reduce your blood pressure, which may be problematic -- especially if you're taking an antihypertensive drug, because your blood pressure may fall too much. Hypotension, or very low blood pressure, can cause dizziness, blurred vision or fainting.
Anticoagulants
Anticoagulants are a class of drugs that slow the rate at which your blood normally clots. When DHA is combined with EPA, it may also slow blood clotting, which can make bruising or bleeding complications more likely. To avoid such complications, don't take DHA and EPA if you're taking a blood-thinning medication.
Beneficial Effects
DHA may have beneficial effects on certain medications. Taking omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA, in conjunction with cyclosporine may reduce side effects associated with this prescription drug. In addition, fish oil supplements with DHA may help to treat certain types of coronary artery disease when used in conjunction with aspirin; however, this treatment combination may also lead to bleeding complications and shouldn't be used without physician supervision.
