Berlin - People who take medications for geriatric afflictions should beware of possible interactions among them, warned the Berlin-based independent consumer-protection group Stiftung Warentest. The group noted that even classic remedies could have unsuspected side effects and dangerously interact with other medications, the November issue of Stiftung Warentest's magazine, Test, reported. Garlic can increase the action of anti-hypertensives.
Garlic has the same effect on blood thinners. Since it reduces the blood's ability to coagulate, people should not ingest substances containing garlic before surgery.
Fish oil acts as an anticoagulant too. Wounds may bleed longer after a person ingests fish oil. Consumers of fish oil should consult a doctor immediately, if minor bumps give them bruises, the magazine report said. People with pancreatitis, liver disease, inflammation of the gall bladder and fat digestion disorders should also refrain from taking fish oil.
According to Stiftung Warentest, some ginseng preparations contain alcohol, which increases the effect of many medications, including sleeping pills, sedatives, psychotropic drugs and strong pain killers. People with high blood pressure should take ginseng only after consulting a physician.
St. John's Wort can make the skin more sensitive to light, the consumer group pointed out. People who take it should therefore avoid intensive exposure to sunlight. St. John's Wort can also reduce the effectiveness of some medications.
