Saw Palmetto Interactions Explained
The following sections explain in detail the potentially negative interactions that can occur when
saw palmetto is combined with any of the drugs listed above.
Aspirin
Theoretically, taking aspirin with saw palmetto may increase the risk of bleeding. If you take aspirin regularly, you may want to check with your healthcare provider before taking saw palmetto.
Clopidogrel (Plavix)
Clopidogrel may interact with saw palmetto, possibly increasing your risk of bleeding. It is not yet known how significant this interaction may be. Check with your healthcare provider before taking clopidogrel and saw palmetto together.
Heparin and Heparin-Like Products
Theoretically, taking aspirin with saw palmetto may increase the risk of bleeding. Check with your healthcare provider before taking saw palmetto and heparin together. If you know you will need to take heparin (such as after a surgery), it may be a good idea to temporarily stop taking saw palmetto.
Hormonal Contraceptives
Saw palmetto may have anti-estrogen effects and may, therefore, make hormonal contraceptives (such as
birth control pills, patches, and rings) less effective. Do not take saw palmetto and
oral contraceptives together.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Saw palmetto may have anti-estrogen effects and may, therefore, make
hormone replacement therapy with estrogen less effective. Check with your healthcare provider before combining saw palmetto with hormone replacement therapy.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS)
Theoretically, taking an
NSAID with saw palmetto may increase the risk of bleeding. If you take an NSAID regularly, you may want to check with your healthcare provider before taking saw palmetto.
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