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| Possible Interactions with: Bilberry |
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| Also listed as: European Blueberry;
Huckleberry; Vaccinium myrtillus |
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Blood-thinning medications, anticoagulants
In theory, because
the anthocyanidins in bilberry may inhibit blood from clotting, there may be an
increased risk of bleeding in those taking anthocyanidin extracts from bilberry
along with blood thinners, particularly warfarin. This has not been tested
scientifically, but those taking warfarin or other blood thinners in the same
class, known as anticoagulants, should be very careful if considering use of
bilberry and should be followed closely by a doctor who will check your INR (a
measurement to indicate, in part, your risk of bleeding). There has been one case report of a woman taking many herbs and supplements,
including bilberry, experiencing a serious bleed following surgery for breast
cancer. The other herbs and supplements she was taking that may have contributed
to the risk of bleeding include ginkgo, ginseng, and vitamin E. The whole bilberry fruit, therefore, which contains both anthocyanidins and
tannins (that may help stop bleeding) is likely safer if you are on a blood
thinner than the isolated anthocyanidin extracts. |
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| Drug Interactions |
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Copyright © 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc
The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of
the information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse
of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage
to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or
otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents
of this material. No claims or endorsements are made for any drugs or compounds
currently marketed or in investigative use. This material is not intended as a
guide to self-medication. The reader is advised to discuss the information
provided here with a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other authorized healthcare
practitioner and to check product information (including package inserts)
regarding dosage, precautions, warnings, interactions, and contraindications
before administering any drug, herb, or supplement discussed
herein.
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