Combining fish oil and some medications may cause unwanted side effects. Medications affecting the popular supplement include a variety of heart medications to birth control pills. Fish oil is one of the leading supplements sold. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate the supplement, and fish oil is available over-the-counter. Still, it is important to discuss taking fish oil with a health care provider first. Unwanted side effects and medication interactions may occur.
Anticougulant Medications
Warfarin, heparin, asprin, clopidogrel, dipyridamole and ticlopidine are all anticoagulant medications that may interact with fish oil. Fish oil, as well as these drugs, works as a blood-thinning supplement. It will take your blood longer to form a clot. Taking both fish oil and an anticoagulant medication should only be done if approved by a health care provider, advises the University of Maryland Medical Center. Fish oil may provide additional benefits the anticoagulant medications do not such as lowering triglyceride levels, blood pressure and decreasing the risk of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Still, excess bleeding is a potential side effect and should be reported to a health care provider immediately.
Blood Pressure Medications
Fish oil naturally decreases your blood pressure. If you are taking blood pressure medications and fish oil together, your blood pressure may decrease to dangerously low levels, advises MedlinePlus. Blood pressure medications include captopril, enalapril, diltiazem and others. Signs you are suffering from hypotension include confusion, dizziness, loss of concentration, fatigue and weakness.
Oral Birth Control
Women taking oral birth control may decrease the benefits of fish oil supplements. According to MedlinePlus, birth control may decrease the triglyceride-lowering effects of fish oil supplements. If you are taking fish oil to lower triglycerides, switch to another form of birth control. Additional methods to decrease triglyceride levels include eating a heart-healthy diet low in fat and sodium and participating in daily exercise and activity. When combining fish oil and birth control, continue to have your cholesterol and triglyceride levels checked regularly. This allows you to monitor if fish oil is affecting your triglyceride levels.
Orlistat
Weight loss medication orlistate, sold under the brand names Xenical or Alli, may prevent fish oil being absorbed into your body. Take the medication and supplement about two hours apart, suggests MedlinePlus.
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