Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact

Test Your Knowledge

Take a brief quiz to show what you learned about how medications and supplements can interact.

Some supplements can decrease the effects of medications.

True

False

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Some supplements can increase the effects—including unwanted side effects—of medications.

True

False

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Some interactions between supplements and medications are very dangerous.

True

False

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Scientists know a great deal about medication-supplement interactions.

True

False

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Besides your primary health care provider, which of these people need to know about all the medications and supplements you’re taking?

Your dentist

Any medical specialist you see, such as a cardiologist or dermatologist

Your eye care professional

A health care professional who treats you in an emergency room or urgent care facility

Any complementary health practitioner you see, such as a chiropractor or naturopathic practitioner

All of the above

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Which one of these herbs decreases the effects of many medications?

Black cohosh

Echinacea

Saw palmetto

St. John’s wort

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The right level of certain medications in your body is crucial. Serious or life-threatening complications can occur with some medications if they are slightly too high or too low. This is known as:

A broad therapeutic range

A narrow therapeutic range

An interactive therapeutic range

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If you’re planning surgery, your health care provider may ask you to stop taking dietary supplements ahead of time because they could:

Affect the medications you need before, during, or after your surgery

Increase your risk for bleeding during the surgery

Cause changes in your heart rate

Cause changes in your blood pressure

All of the above

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