It goes without saying that you should always consult your doctor before taking any over-the-counter supplements, which is why a popular TikTok pharmacist has issued a public service warning when it comes to a relatively common herbal supplement that could negatively affect other medications.
In a minute-long video posted to his popular TikTok account earlier this month, Rhode Island-based pharmacist Dr. Ethan Melillo warned his followers not to take St. John's-wort, a widely used antidepressant. But Melillo says the herbal remedy is “the worst supplement you can take if you're on other medications.”
“To be honest, if someone tells you to take this, I think they really don't like you,” he joked. “This natural supplement interacts with just about everything.” And in case his followers thought he simply “hated” St. John's-wort, he noted that it's even banned in France.
“First of all, we want to say, if you're taking this right now for depression, don't stop it,” Melillo continued. “But if you really need to take this, I want you to talk to your doctor.”
“Because look at all these beautiful drug interactions that St. John's-wort interacts with,” she said, a list scrolling behind her. “There are so many. The list goes on and on.” While Melillo notes that there are a few important drug interactions to be aware of, the one that really needs to be emphasized is that it can reduce the effectiveness of birth control.
@millennialrx THE WORST SUPPLEMENT you can take if you are taking other medications #pharmacy #john's wort #john's wort #pharmacytechnician #naturalsupplements #millennialrx
♬ original audio – Dr. Ethan Melillo, PharmD
“That's why it's so important to talk to your provider or pharmacist whenever you start a new supplement,” she concluded. “I'm not saying natural supplements are bad, because many of them can really help people. But before you take them, you should know all the safety precautions.”
In addition to decreasing the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, St. John's-wort may also decrease the effectiveness of some heart medications, HIV and chemotherapy drugs and some anticoagulants. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common side effects of St. John's-wort include stomach pain, fatigue and restlessness.
In other words, it's even more reason not to start a new health regimen without professional help.