Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 3/1/2007

Question
Hello, My father has to go onto the drug plavix for stroke prevention, he does however take numerous supplements, can you tell me which supplements are best to avoid while taking the blood thinner plavix.

Answer
Marc,
Thanks for your question. There are several supplements that interact with Plavix, because they also promote blood thinning.  Some of the most commonly known ones are: fish oil, flax oil, gingko, vitamin E, St john's wort, ginger, tumeric.  
There may be others, so it's best if you check all the supplements against a drug-herb interaction program, such as one at drugdigest.org
If you'd like individual guidance on this subject, I'd suggest you and your father seek out a naturopathic doctor in your area at www.naturopathic.org.
Good luck!
Dr Conner