Does anyone know if it's ok or not to take supplements such as zinc, echinaecea, everning primrose, cod liver oil etc if you have APS?

[Rizz]

[MaryF Administrator]

Hi there, it is best to check this out with your consultant/rheumatologist/haematologist or GP, or indeed whichever one has the best knowledge. I am not on Warfarin or similar, so I have more freedom. However Echinaecea years ago made me very ill, I think that it can alter the white blood cell count, it causes me to go into flare, So I avoid this, in terms of fish oil I take Omega Fish oil, as it is possible to OD on Cod Liver Oil due to the concentrated Vitamin D in it from the actual liver of the cod, (simple omega fish oil even high strength is classed as a food), Regarding zinc, it may bind with the Warfarin in some way, so you would need medical advice on this. Also I have included this link from The Mayo Clinic..so, even with fish oil, you need guidance: mayoclinic.com/health/warfa... Please do check it out, and we are all different. Mary F x

[Rizz]

Thanks MaryF, I will ask my haematologist next time...

[Manofmendip]

Hi

I agree totally with Mary.

Best wishes.

Dave

[Rizz in reply to Manofmendip]

Thanks, I won't be seeing my consultant for some time so thought I might find some answers here, but I'll lay off taking anything till then as I clearly need to speak to them about it. Thanks for your responses.

[Hidden]

Hi Rizz

Please have a look at our Factsheet on the herbal remedies which can affect your INR when taking warfarin:

hughes-syndrome.org/resourc...

[MaryF Administrator]

Yes as said above, a raised white blood cell count... and the same with elderberry extract... before I knew years ago... helpful friends used to try and stuff me with both... and they had an awful effect. Mary F x

[Jade]

I would like to say I was on cod liver oil and evening primrose oil before going on warfarin so continued. Professor Hughes knew this.

I have since added in vitamin C and zinc combined, vitamin B complex and swapped evening primrose for starflower oil. Professor Hughes knows I take these and is happy.

In my experience these did not alter my INR. I self test so test every other day.

[Danimgw]

I was told by my Hemathologist not to take cod liver as it thins the blood reason I'm taking warfarine.

[Annslack]

I found that my local pharmacy was very helpfu. They sell supplements and seem very knowledgeable about interactions.