If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you
should not use flaxseed without first talking to your healthcare provider.
Blood Thinning Medications
Omega-3 fatty acids may increase
the blood-thinning effects of aspirin or warfarin. While the combination of
aspirin and omega-3 fatty acids may actually be helpful under certain
circumstances (such as heart disease), they should only be taken together under
the guidance and supervision of your healthcare provider.
Cholesterol Lowering Medications, Statins
Following certain
nutritional guidelines, including increasing the amount of omega-3 fatty acids
in your diet and reducing the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, may allow a group of
cholesterol lowering medications known as "statins" (such as atorvastatin,
lovastatin, and simvastatin) to work more effectively.
Cyclosporine
Taking omega-3 fatty acids during cyclosporine
therapy may reduce toxic side effects (such as high blood pressure and kidney
damage) associated with this medication in transplant patients.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
In an animal
study, treatment with omega-3 fatty acids reduced the risk of ulcers from
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). More research is needed to
evaluate whether omega-3 fatty acids would have the same effects in people.
Other
Flaxseed may slow down the absorption of oral
medications or other nutrients if taken at the same time. Try to avoid taking
flaxseed at the same time of day as medications and other supplements.