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June 6, 2023

Fish Oil Drug Interaction: Can It Interact With Medications?

Fish oil is a popular supplement in the US with 18.8 million users. This article explores the potential benefits of combining it with medication

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Fish oil drug interactions

Exploring Fish Oil Interactions

18.8 million adults in the US use fish oil as the most natural supplement ✅.

Taking fish oil supplements may be good for the heart and brain, and may also help with pain relief and mental clarity.

Studies have shown that fish oil can have cardiovascular benefits ✅ and support brain function ✅, making it a potential treatment for mood disorders and depression.

Furthermore, fish oil supplements may improve heart rate variability, and reduce the risk of dementia and some types of cancer ✅✅✅.

However, it is critical to consider the potential interactions between fish oil supplements and medications.

For example, some heart medications can change how fish oil works in the body, such as blood thinners ✅.

Additionally, a study found that fish oil supplements can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation ✅.

Therefore, it’s crucial to talk to a healthcare provider, especially if you’re taking medications or have existing medical conditions.

This article will explore how fish oil interacts with medication in order to enhance its health benefits.

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Why Consider Fish Oil And Drug Interactions

There are several reasons why considering fish oil supplements may interact with medication:

✔️Fish oil supplements may affect lipid and lipoprotein concentrations in the body, which can impact the effectiveness of certain medications ✅.

✔️Fish oil supplements have been shown to confer protection against heart diseases, which may interact with medications used to treat heart conditions ✅.

✔️When taken alongside a low-cholesterol diet and physical activity, fish oil supplements can have positive effects on cardiovascular health. Nevertheless, some cardiovascular medications may interact with fish oil and impact its clinical outcome ✅.

✔️Patients with established hypertensive disease may experience additional benefits from fish oil supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids apart from just lowering blood pressure✅.

✔️Fish oil supplements have been shown to reduce elevated levels of triglycerides and increase healthy cholesterol levels, which may interact with medications used to manage dyslipidemia ✅.

✔️Taking fish oil supplements can help lower cholesterol levels, prevent blood clots, lower blood pressure, and increase the levels of good cholesterol. However, it’s important to be cautious if you’re taking medications for heart health ✅.

✔️Fish oil supplements have been found to effectively reduce plasma triglyceride when administered alone or with concomitant lipid-lowering therapy ✅.

✔️Low-to-moderate amounts of dietary fish oil can be used to manipulate neutrophil fatty acid composition, which may interact with medications used to manage inflammation ✅.

✔️Adding fish oil to diets can affect the way fatty acids are processed in the gut and may interact with medications used to treat digestive problems ✅.

✔️It has been found to be effective in reducing triglyceride levels in pediatric patients, which may interact with medications used to manage hypertriglyceridemia ✅.

Therefore, it is important to consider the potential interactions between fish oil supplements and medications, as well as the potential benefits and risks of fish oil supplementation, before using them.

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Can Fish Oil Supplements Interact With Medications?

Fish Oil (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids) has been found to interact with 72 drugs and 2 diseases. Out of these interactions, 72 are considered moderate ✅.

Fish oil supplements can interact with certain drugs, affecting their clinical response. Some of the common interactions include:

  • Antihypertensive medications ✅
  • Cardiovascular medications ✅
  • Hypolipidemic agents ✅
  • Medications for dyslipidemia ✅
  • Anti-platelet medications
  • Estrogen supplements
  • Dementia medications ✅
  • Diabetes medications
  • Nephrotoxicity medications ✅
  • Medication that lowers triglyceride levels
  • Pain medications (Thiamine, pyridoxine, magnesium) ✅
  • Insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents ✅
  • Warfarin and other anticoagulants ✅
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) ✅
  • Immunosuppressive medications ✅

How do Fish Oil Supplements Interact With Blood Pressure Medications?

Fish oil supplements have been shown to have a positive effect on blood pressure in both healthy individuals and those with hypertension.

Studies have shown that fish oil can reduce blood pressure by decreasing vascular smooth muscle reactivity to noradrenaline in resistance vessels ✅✅.

In adults, fish oil has been discovered to enhance blood pressure, and lipid profile, and potentially decrease mortality caused by cardiovascular disease ✅.

However, fish oil supplementation did not significantly affect blood pressure in pregnant women ✅✅ or in response to mental stress ✅.

Fish oil supplements can interact with antihypertensive drugs. However, the nature of the interaction is not always clear.

Some studies have shown that fish oil supplements can enhance the antihypertensive effects of certain drugs, such as ACE inhibitors ✅.

Other studies have suggested that fish oil supplements can have antihypertensive effects on their own, even in the absence of other medications ✅✅.

On the other hand, some studies have raised concerns about the potential adverse effects of fish oil supplements when taken in combination with certain medications, including antihypertensive drugs ✅✅✅.

Therefore, it is important for individuals taking antihypertensive drugs to consult with their healthcare provider before taking fish oil supplements or any other dietary supplements.

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Can Fish Oil Supplements Interact With Diabetes Medications?

Type 2 diabetic patients may have their dyslipidemia partially corrected through the use of fish oil supplementation. ✅.

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The activity and function of Na, K-ATPase in the sciatic nerve, which is affected by diabetes, can be improved by the positive effects of fish oil ✅.

Giving diabetic mice fish oil supplements reduced their high blood sugar and hemoglobin levels, increased insulin levels, and restored their antioxidant and enzyme activity. This suggests that taking fish oil for a long time may help prevent damage to tissues caused by diabetes ✅.

Additionally, the use of fish oil supplements has demonstrated advantages such as antiplatelet activity, enhancement of heart failure, and betterment of vascular function in individuals with diabetes✅.

Moreover, patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) who were taking glyburide experienced an increase in fasting plasma glucose concentrations when they were supplemented with fish oil ✅.

However, there is limited evidence on the interaction between fish oil and diabetes drugs.

Can Fish Oil Supplements Interact With Birth Control Pills?

There are two types of birth control pills: combination pills containing both estrogen and progestin or progestin-only pills ✅.

Yes, fish oil can interact with estrogen and progestin. According to one study, chemical mixtures found in fish oil can have different effects on human steroid sex hormone receptors, exhibiting both estrogenic and anti-androgenic properties ✅.

Additionally, a diet containing fish oil can delay first ovulation through inhibitory effects on GnRH release, which is stimulated by estrogen ✅.

One research demonstrates that a non-steroidal estrogen can induce fish oocyte maturation via the membrane progestin receptor ✅.

Can Fish Oil Supplements Interact With Chemotherapy Medications?

There is evidence to suggest that fish oil may interact with chemotherapy medications.

Some studies have shown that fish oil can reduce the harmful impacts of chemotherapy ✅, while others recommend avoiding fish oil and fish with high levels of 16:4(n-3) during the days before and after chemotherapy ✅.

However, other studies have found that fish oil can improve the efficacy of chemotherapy ✅and increase the time to tumor progression in colorectal cancer ✅.

The utilization of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA (180mg) and DHA (120mg)/capsule) as a supplementary therapy for breast cancer could assist doctors in handling the adverse effects of continuous chemotherapy through the enhancement of the antioxidant condition in patients ✅.

It is important to note that the use of fish oil amid the complexities of modern management of cancer, with its emphasis on combination chemotherapy applied early, presents challenges ✅.

Additionally, a supplement containing purified EPA/DHA might be more effective because fish oil fatty acids could interact with platinum-based chemotherapy ✅.

Further research is needed to fully understand the potential interactions between fish oil and chemotherapy medications.

Key Takeaways

Fish oil supplements can interact with certain medications, particularly heart medications and blood thinners.

A study found an increased risk of atrial fibrillation with fish oil supplementation.

It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking fish oil supplements, especially if one is taking medications or has existing medical conditions.

Fish oil has potential health benefits, including effects on lipoprotein composition, anti-inflammatory properties, and antihypertensive properties.

There is a safety risk associated with fish oil supplementation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get enough omega-3s from eating fish alone?

While eating fish can provide some omega-3s, it may be difficult to accurately monitor your intake. Therefore, some experts suggest adding a fish oil supplement with 1,000 milligrams of EPA and DHA to your daily regimen

What are the potential side effects of taking fish oil supplements?

Taking high doses of omega-3 fats, including those found in fish oil supplements, may cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, heartburn, abdominal pain, and belching a fish-like aftertaste. Fish oil’s blood-thinning effects may also increase the risk for bleeding, bruising, and elevation in blood sugar. It’s especially important to talk to a healthcare provider if you’re taking anti-platelet drugs or anticoagulants.

Do I need to take a fish oil supplement?

If you eat two four-ounce servings of fish per week and consume plant-based omega-3s like flax and chia seeds, you may be able to meet your omega-3 goals without taking a supplement. However, if you don’t eat fish, a supplement may be necessary

References

Fitnature uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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