If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you
should not use copper supplements without first talking to your healthcare
provider. Birth Control Medications and Estrogen following
menopause
Birth control medications and estrogen replacement for
post-menopausal women can increase blood levels of copper. Therefore, copper
supplements are not appropriate and may be cause for concern in individuals
taking either of these medications. Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Copper binds to
NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen and naproxen) and appears to enhance their
anti-inflammatory activity. Penicillamine
Penicillamine (a medication used to treat
Wilson's disease and rheumatoid arthritis) reduces copper levels that may be the
intended use, as in the case of Wilson's disease. Allopurinol
Test tube studies suggest that allopurinol, a
medication used to treat gout, may reduce copper levels. Cimetidine
Animal studies show that cimetidine, a medication
used to treat ulcers and gastric esophageal reflux disease (when acid from the
stomach enters the esophagus and causes heartburn and indigestion), may elevate
copper levels in the body leading to damage of the liver and other organs.
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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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