Supplements Again..

[CavendishCool]

Hi Everyone. It's taken me a long time to write this post, but is there any one particular site/publication etc where I can find out about contra indications of the supplement I would like to take and Lupus medication I have to take? I have had to finish my Fluoextine dependency after 10 years, requested by the GP, which I finally have, but I am not coping very well as my life situation has not got much better tbh. However there is a "natural" supplement that seems that it might help. I contacted the company that makes them, explained the situation and they weren't at liberty to say whether there was any contra indications and directed me to the GP, who then directed me to the pharmacist who said that it is not their job and it would take too long to do it, so hence my post. Any pointing in the right direction would be very much appreciated. Thank you 😊 🙏

[Suvi8901]

Hi,

Have a read of this.

It’s very detailed on Fluoxetine:

medlineplus.gov/druginfo/me....

[CavendishCool in reply to Suvi8901]

Thank you so much. I will 🙏

[nottypical]

If no-one's prepared to help I'd stay clear of it

[AgedCrone]

Basically if you are taking any prescription drugs…you must always refer to the clinician who prescribes those drugs before you take any supplements.

Even the most well known tonic type supplements can either completely knock out the effect of your prescription drugs…or cause unpleasant symptoms. If there is something proved to help your prescription drugs…your doctor will tell you about it & if he/she thinks it will help you,

So when you are prescribed something new…do ask the prescriber if you can take x,y or z with that new drug.

However, if you have a good diet supplements should not be needed.

[CavendishCool in reply to AgedCrone]

Hi, thanks for your advice which is very much appreciated. I have begun to sort my food and nutrition out and am starting to feel a little better than I did. I do get really worried about all the deficiencies we are supposed to have by living in the UK and not being able to be in the sun. My first Rheumatologist was of the opinion that we shouldn't need to supplement, so I will take that advice onboard again. Thank you for taking the time to reply to me. 🙏

[AgedCrone in reply to CavendishCool]

Well….one of the few supplements, your Rheumatologist may prescribe for you would be vitamin D. Mine recommends I take it between October and April…. I’m not very good at remembering it…… I eat anything I fancy….but never junk food….Not because I know I shouldn’t, but because I don’t like it..

I haven’t had a cold for ages and I’m an oldie on Rituximab so I think my diet which includes a glass of wine might be working but ….Rule No 1 really is….ldon’t take anything until Doct says yes!

Keep well!

[CavendishCool in reply to AgedCrone]

Yes I take Vitamin D too as suggested by the Rheumatologist when I remember also🙏. Enjoy your weekend 🍷

[Suvi8901 in reply to AgedCrone]

Hi,

“Rule No 1 really is….ldon’t take anything until Doct says yes!…”

Please note that most docs do not know a lot about healthy nutrition, mineral and vitamin supplements. Most medical schools at least in the UK do not usually teach human nutrition, AI and inflammatory diseases in detail!👆

Much more useful info can be obtained from qualified dietitians and nutritionists!

[AgedCrone in reply to Suvi8901]

I agree your average GP in the UK usually has minimal knowledge of RA or it’s medications, indeed they are not allowed to prescribe some RA drugs….these meds can only be prescribed by a Consultant

However, I think a consultant rheumatologist who prescribes RA drugs for his patient will know what he is talking abut regarding what is contra indicated re supplements. & a particular drug.

The fact is- that taking anything that might either increase or diminish the effect of the RA drugs that is the worry. Believe me…some side effects of some of the drugs we are prescribed can be pretty nasty…& making them even nastier by taking a supplement is surely not to be chanced?

So comfort first, if you are thinking of taking any sort of supplement do just run it by your rheumy…it might save you lot of them there nasty side effects. Not to mention the considerable cost of consulting a nutritionist or dietician….cos you won’t often be referred to one of those on the NHS these days.

[Suvi8901 in reply to AgedCrone]

Yes, absolutely! Agreed.

Surely one should only take a supplement eg Fe if there is actually a proven deficiency?

Food supplements are so heavily marketed and endorsed these days. Celebrities seem to dictate the fashion?

Of course specific drug interactions and potentiations of certain medications will require expert knowledge. Alcohol can affect the metabolism of many drugs!

With me personally the patient drug info leaflet often highlights the risks and substances to avoid.

[CavendishCool in reply to Suvi8901]

Thanks for that advice. I do always read the drug sheet inside the box, but I am no longer on Fluoextine and was looking for a supplement for it, but thinking about it logically now, it is a supplement company who will of course encourage me to buy, but are unable to tell me the contra indications with Hydroxychloroquine and Amitryptalin. Thanks for making me think about it properly. Have a great day 🙏

[Treetop33]

We do often have quite a lot of vitamin deficiencies (since inflammation can cause absortion problems), but you are right, it would be helpful to get some idea of interactions. Really we should be tested for vitamin levels of supplement accordingly with help, but that doesn't happen.

I take B vitamins, probiotics, selenium, Vit D with my meds, and not every day. I take other supplements such as iron (if needed) a few hours outside of taking meds. I don't know if that's the right thing to do.

I have been stymied by interactions particularly with platelet thinners e.g. I wanted to take NAO to help with long Covid, but I can't. It's tricky, but since doctors don't recognise any connection between diet and autoimmunity they are hardly likely to be up on supplements.

And more broadly it is tricky as there are lots of charlatans out there willing to make a buck off desperate people.

[CavendishCool]

Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a full screening of bloods for everything that was available. I end up getting so confused and stressed trying to Google each component that I just don't bother. Although I've had some very helpful links that I will look into from contributors on here. If only Elizabeth Holmes of Theranos fame had achieved the one drop of blood finds everything 🤔 still it makes good telly especially when everything hurts and I'm really exhausted. Thanks for replying 🙏