Herbal medicines harmful in arthritis

Arthritis patients are more likely to use herbal medicines, which increases the chances of serious interactions with prescribed medicines. Echinacea, gingko biloba, devil's claw, ginger and garlic are the most dangerous among those used. Echinacea poses a risk of liver damage when used with the more potent anti-arthritis medications known as disease modifying antirheumatic drugs. Other herbal remedies could aggravate stomach bleeding risks when taken along with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or steroids. To examine the extent of the problem, researchers from the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Oxford, sent anonymous questionnaires to 238 patients being treated by rheumatologists. A total of 105 subjects (44 per cent) had used herbal medicines or over-the-counter remedies in the previous 6 months. Twenty-six subjects (11 per cent) were taking remedies that put them at risk for serious interactions with conventional drugs. Their responses showed that almost all of them were unaware of the risk, although ten of them had sought advice from a health professional before starting. Physicians have to be cautious to make sure they ask what medications the patient is taking. Patients should ask their doctors about the safety of herbal medicines if they are taken with arthritis drugs.