Over-The-Counter Medicines: Herbals & Supplements

Herbals Act Like Medicines in the Body

Herbal products are a type of dietary supplement made from an herb (a plant). They are used to treat symptoms of an illness and improve health. In general, experts agree that herbal products are milder and safer than prescription drugs. But herbals act like medicines in the body. They can cause problems if too much is taken, if used too long, or if taken along with other medicines.

Looks Can Be Deceiving!

Boric acid suppositories are sometimes used to treat chronic vaginal infections when traditional treatments have failed. Vaginal infections are typically treated with antibiotics, such as metronidazole. For some women, the infection comes back right away. When this happens, some doctors will recommend trying boric acid suppositories.

Liquid in Fish Oil Capsules Interacts with Foam Cups

A nurse caring for a patient who was unable to swallow Lovaza (omega-3 fatty acids), punched holes in the large, soft gelatin capsule, squeezed the oily yellow liquid contents into a disposable foam (Styrofoam) cup, and diluted it with cranberry juice. Later, as the patient raised the cup to drink the juice, the cup began to leak.

Be Cautious with Ginkgo Biloba

Researchers have linked the "memory enhancer" herb ginkgo biloba to bleeding problems. One of the parts of this herb slows blood clotting. People who take ginkgo with other medicines that prevent blood clots, such as Jantoven (warfarin) or aspirin, may increase their risk of bleeding.

Calcium Supplements and Certain Medicines Should Be Taken a Few Hours Apart

Summer Danger with St. John's Wort

A young woman developed temporary nerve damage 4 weeks after taking 500 mg of St. John's wort daily for mild depression. She began to feel pain on skin exposed to the sun. Her doctor told her to stop taking the herb. She did, and her symptoms slowly went away.

Do Your Vitamins Measure Up?

Consumers who use dietary supplements such as vitamins have no way of knowing if the products they select meet certain quality manufacturing standards. They also have no way of knowing if they are dealing with reputable manufacturers. In response, a drug standards organization called the US Pharmacopeia (USP) established The Dietary Supplement Verification Program (DSVP).