Omega-3 Drug Interactions

When orlistat or medications that "thin" the blood are taken in conjunction with omega-3, drug interactions could occur. These interactions can either increase your risk of bleeding or block the absorption of omega-3 fatty acids into the body. Some of the anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications that may cause drug interactions with omega-3 include heparin, aspirin, warfarin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

 

An Introduction to Omega-3 Drug Interactions

Even though they are "natural" products,
 omega-3 fatty acid supplements can potentially interact with several medicines. Some of the medicines that may lead to omega-3 drug interactions include:
 
  • Medications that "thin" the blood (they have anticoagulant or antiplatelet activity), such as:
 
    • Aspirin (Bayer® and others)
    • Heparin or heparin-like products, including dalteparin (Fragmin®), enoxaparin (Lovenox®), or tinzaparin (Innohep®)
    • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as: 
 
 
    • Warfarin (Coumadin®, Jantoven®)
 
(Omega-3 Drug Interactions Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;