Drug Interactions With Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Many medications can cause potentially dangerous drug interactions with omega-3 fatty acids, including orlistat and medicines that have anticoagulant or antiplatelet activity. Taking medicines that "thin" the blood (such as warfarin or aspirin) with omega-3 may increase your risk of bleeding. To help prevent drug interactions with omega-3 fatty acids, tell your healthcare provider about all other medications you are taking before starting the supplement.

An Introduction to Drug Interactions With Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Even though they are "natural" products, omega-3 fatty acid supplements can potentially interact with several medicines. Some of the medicines that may lead to drug interactions with omega-3 include:
 
  • Medications that "thin" the blood (they have anticoagulant or antiplatelet activity), such as:
 
    • Aspirin (Bayer® and others)
    • Heparin or heparin-like products, including dalteparin (Fragmin®), enoxaparin (Lovenox®), or tinzaparin (Innohep®)
    • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as:
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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