Interactions

Interactions refer to the possibility that the effects or adverse reactions may change when two or more medications, Korean herbal medicines, or health functional foods are used together.

Simply leaving a gap of a few hours does not eliminate all possibilities. Medication ListThe product composition must be checked together.

How can interactions manifest?

Products used together may weaken or strengthen the effect of a medication, or increase unwanted reactions such as drowsiness, bleeding, or changes in blood pressure. We check not only interactions between medications but also relationships between medications and food/drinks, health functional foods/herbal ingredients, and existing medical conditions. We examine the actual ingredients and dosages rather than applying the risks of a specific combination to all Korean herbal medicines and medications.

What should I prepare before the consultation?

Please list the product names, ingredients, dosages, administration times, and purposes of your prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and other Korean herbal medicines in one list. You must inform us first if you are taking medications where even small concentration changes can be critical, such as warfarin, or immunosuppressants, anticancer drugs, and anticonvulsants. Do not simply leave a few hours' interval or stop taking prescription medications on your own.

If the evidence is uncertain, is it always okay to take them together?

That is not the case. While the NCCIH explains that data on many herb-drug interactions are not yet sufficient, it recommends informing medical staff of all products being taken because some combinations can alter drug efficacy and adverse reactions. 'Unconfirmed' is not the same as 'safe'.

• NCCIH: Six things to check in herb-drug interactions
• FDA: Types of drug interactions and how to check labels