Many people think that since vitamin supplements are natural, they are safe to be mixed with your regular prescription medications. Not true. Below are five supplements you may want to avoid if you are on certain prescription medications.

St. John’s Wort

Avoid if you take: Antidepressants (ex. Paxil, Wellbutrin)

If taking certain antidepressants you should avoid St. Johns Wort. Taking St. Johns Wort could cause some serious side effects including serotonin syndrome (a buildup of the brain chemical). It also interacts with many other drugs.

Fish oil supplements are a great substitute for St. Johns Wort to get your Omega 3 fatty acids.

Turmeric

Avoid if you take: Blood thinners (ex. Coumadin, Plavix, Warfarin)

Some research has shown that the spice turmeric can help reduce inflammation and consequent pain from arthritis, but it may interact with Coumadin (warfarin) and other meds, which increases the possibility of bleeding.

Antioxidant-rich juices like grape, pomegranate, or tart cherry, may reduce some symptoms of arthritis.

Licorice

Avoid if you take: Diuretics for high blood pressure (ex. Diuril, Dyazide, Hyzaar, Lopressor HCT)

Indigestion sufferers turn to stomach-soothing licorice root capsules, but when combined with diuretics or laxatives, this remedy can cause a dangerous dip in potassium levels.

Try Ginger tea to ease stomachaches, and avoid those foods that can aggravate your heartburn.

Today Johnson and Johnson issued recalls of 43 versions of both child and liquid versions of Motrin, Zyrtec, and Benadryl.

So far no injuries have been reported and the drugs are said have “manufacturing deficiencies”. The recall comes in the wake of a recent FDA inspection of a plant in Fort Washington.

Johnson and Johnson has said that if the tainted drugs are taken, the chances of injury are remote. According to their press release,

“Some of the products included in the recall may contain a higher concentration of active ingredient than is specified; others may contain inactive ingredients that may not meet internal testing requirements; and others may contain tiny particles,”

Web MD reported that recalled products may be returned for a refund or exchanged for a fresh product once manufacturing issues have been resolved. They also went on to say the amount of units being recalled still remains a mystery, but it is more than likely rather large.

Today a federal judge in Manhattan ruled to dismiss a lawsuit against Merck & Co involving their drug Fosamax, alleging that the osteoporosis drug causes jaw damage.

According to Rueters,

U.S. District Judge John Keenan on Monday found that Bessie Flemings, 74, a Mississippi resident whose primary dentist labeled her oral hygiene as “poor,” failed to show that her use of Fosamax caused the death of jawbone tissue, a condition known as osteonecrosis of the jaw, or ONJ.

Keenan said Flemings’ case was the second of three “bellwether” trials in nationwide litigation over Fosamax, which has spawned close to 900 lawsuits. The judge is handling many of the cases.

Fosamax is part of family of osteoporosis drugs that include Procter & Gamble Co’s Actonel and Roche’s Boniva.

The good news for Fosamax users is that in all cases thus far it has not been found at fault. In the event that you do experience any side affects, visit your doctor and follow his or her directions.