Cautionary note about mixing drugs, supplements

An article from MayoClinic.com recently gives a needed warning, starting with a question: Is it safe to take ginkgo with ibuprofen? Answer: Probably not.

The reason, wrote Mayo Clinic hypertension specialist Sheldon Sheps, M.D.:

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs can impair blood clotting, typically by blocking the ability of platelets to form clots. Ginkgo — a dietary supplement used to treat memory problems, dementia and various other conditions — may also affect the clotting process. Bleeding may be a particular concern when ginkgo is taken with other medications that can affect bleeding, such as ibuprofen. In fact, at least one fatality has been linked to the use of ginkgo and ibuprofen.

Gingko, of course, is appealing to many stroke survivors at first blush because of it's supposed powers of helping with concentration. But many are on blood thinners far more aggressive than ibuprofen. In fact, we've got a link to a study reported not long ago. But please, talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any supplement. This kind of mistake can kill.

Good news, but be cautious

Several blogs and other sources have played up news from a study written up in the journal Stroke:

Mice receiving a ginkgo biloba extract after a stroke - induced in a laboratory - suffered abouthalf the damage in mice who did not receive the extract. From one blog, here's a summary:

Extract from the leaves of the ginkgo tree offers promise to minimize brain damage caused by a stroke, scientists said on Thursday.

Mice given daily doses of ginkgo biloba extract before having a stroke induced in the laboratory suffered only about half the damage as animals not given it, researchers at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore wrote in the journal Stroke.

Mice who did not get ginkgo before a stroke but were given it five minutes after a stroke sustained nearly 60 percent less damage in the day after the stroke than those not given ginkgo. And mice given ginkgo 4-1/2 hours after a stroke had about a third less damage than those not given ginkgo.

So this is promising news - something to follow.

One caveat, though - this isn't your over-the-counter gingko biloba. This supplement is widely marketed as a pill to help your memory and concentration. They also could interact - and not in a good way - with prescription medication for stroke prevention. Those would include warfarin, Plavix and Aggrenox.

So if you want try the supplement, talk to your doctor. For your health and safety.