Does fish oil interact with other medications?

Little is known about fish oil’s interaction with other medications. But because it has been shown to affect triglyceride levels in the bloodstream, it can react with certain medications that have an effect on the blood. Fish oil may interact with medications such as:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen,
• Anticoagulants (“blood thinners”) such as warfarin,
• Anti-platelet medications such as clopidogrel,
• Beta blockers, such as atenolol, carvedilol, labetalol, metoprolol, propranolol, sotalol, or timolol,
• Blood pressure medications,
• Diabetes medications,
• Diuretics (“water pills”) such as hlorothiazide or hydrochlorothiazide,
• Estrogen supplements such as birth control pills or hormone replacement, and
• Medications to lower “bad cholesterol” (low-density lipoprotein), such as atorvastatin and lovastatin. Fish oil may add to the effects of medication that lowers triglyceride levels, such as gemfibrozil or cholestyramine

Because little is known about the exact effect of fish oil on the body, this list is incomplete. Tell your doctor about any medications you are taking before you start taking fish oil supplements. If you need to start taking another medication at the same time as fish oil, consult with your doctor first.