Taking Saw Palmetto And Coumadin – A Health Risk

Saw palmetto is a herb that has been known to be of good benefit to one’s prostate health. Many health benefits come with such herb, and men have especially been on the receiving end. Saw palmetto though has not been observed to have adverse interactions with other herbs or drugs – but one should not put his health to chance or risk knowing later on, that it has indeed interactions that would prove to be dangerous. One could not be that sure, and thus safety on one’s health should be first priority.

Taking saw palmetto together with other prescription drugs should be with the approval of one’s doctor. Saw palmetto and Coumadin is one such combination that should not be taken lightly. Even though one may have specific diseases that both saw palmetto and Coumadin can treat – your health may put at a greater risk with each of its active substances interacting inside your body.

Coumadin is one brand name for the warfarin drug. Coumadin acts as a blood thinner and it reduces the blood clotting formation. It is mainly used to prevent strokes and heart attacks. In fact, taking coumadin goes with it the need for a lot of caution. Such would be not to take the medicine if one has anemia, hemophilia, stomach ulcer, and etc. Coumadin is not allowed for individuals younger than 18 years old, and those who are badly ill who may increase the risks of bleeding. One should not take it if pregnant or breast-feeding. The drug may pass into breast milk and may cause bleeding in the baby.

Before taking Coumadin, one should get the advice of the doctor especially if one has a liver disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. All these will be considered by your physician before your taking of Coumadin will be approved. One may be either allowed to take it at limited dosages or completely not allowed at all.

Saw Palmetto and Coumadin – A Dangerous Combination

While not a lot has been studied about saw palmetto, Coumadin being a drug has undergone a more comprehensive study on its side effects and interactions with other forms of medication. Saw palmetto has not been known to have adverse reactions with other drugs, but Coumadin has. And while one may be in need of saw palmetto for one’s prostate health, and Coumadin for blood thinning needs – saw palmetto and Coumadin together may just be risky for your case. Always ask your doctor on how taking these two together may affect your health.

Saw palmetto and Coumadin both treats a particular health issue – but may not work well together. Coumadin is more known to having more interactions with a lot of drugs and herbs – and even with certain types of food. You should consider asking your doctor the proper diet for your case – and the whole scenario for that matter, so that you will be assured of your safety.