From the Guidelines
Turmeric can interact with several medications, so it is crucial to consult your healthcare provider before using it as a supplement if you take prescription drugs. Turmeric may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinners like warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, or heparin due to its natural blood-thinning properties, as it has been shown to prolong activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT) and inhibit thrombin and FXa activity 1. It can also enhance the effects of diabetes medications such as metformin or insulin, potentially causing hypoglycemia, as patients given 2,000 mg/d of turmeric for 4 weeks showed a significant decrease in fasting glucose and HbA1c 1. Turmeric might interfere with acid-reducing medications like omeprazole or famotidine by increasing stomach acid production. Additionally, it may affect how the liver processes certain drugs, including some statins, antidepressants, and antibiotics, potentially increasing their concentration in the bloodstream, as it has been shown to inhibit 25%-75% activity of CYP1A2, CYP2D6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP3A4 1. The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, can also reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs in some cases. If you're taking any medications regularly, it's best to wait at least 3-4 hours between taking turmeric supplements and other medications to minimize potential interactions. The risk of interactions is generally higher with concentrated turmeric or curcumin supplements than with the small amounts used in cooking.
Some key points to consider when taking turmeric with other medications include:
- Bleeding risk: Turmeric may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinners, so it's essential to monitor your bleeding risk and adjust your medication regimen as needed 1.
- Diabetes management: Turmeric may enhance the effects of diabetes medications, so it's crucial to monitor your blood sugar levels and adjust your medication regimen as needed 1.
- Liver function: Turmeric may affect how the liver processes certain drugs, so it's essential to monitor your liver function and adjust your medication regimen as needed 1.
- Medication timing: Waiting at least 3-4 hours between taking turmeric supplements and other medications can help minimize potential interactions.
It's always best to consult with your healthcare provider before taking turmeric supplements, especially if you're taking prescription medications, to ensure safe and effective use.