Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact

Talk With Your Health Care Providers

It’s important to tell all your health care providers about all dietary supplements and medications you take. That way, they can help you avoid harmful interactions.

When you visit a health care provider for the first time, you will often be asked what medications and supplements you take. Be sure to update this information each time you visit the provider’s office. You can bring a written list of:

• All the prescription and over-the-counter medications you take, including supplements
• How often you take them
• The doses

You could also bring the bottles of the products to the health care provider’s office. This can help your provider answer any questions about the ingredients in your dietary supplements.

Interactions With Cancer or HIV Treatments

There is growing concern that dietary and herbal supplements may interfere with the effectiveness of cancer and HIV treatments. If you are being treated for cancer or HIV, you should discuss your use of all supplements with your health care provider.

You can learn more at Cancer and Complementary Health Approaches: What You Need to Know. The National Cancer Institute also has information about cancer and complementary and integrative health approaches.