Saw Palmetto - Aleve (Naproxen) Interaction

Interaction Details

Naproxen is classified as belonging to the following category: Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Saw palmetto might increase the risk of bleeding with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Saw palmetto is reported to prolong bleeding time. Theoretically, it might increase the risk of bleeding when used concomitantly with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Interaction Rating

Likelihood of Occurrence

Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists

Pharmacist Analysis

Saw palmetto is a popular herbal supplement that has been used for various health benefits, including treating urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate.

However, some research has shown that saw palmetto may increase the risk of bleeding in people taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs, with the theoretical mechanism being that saw palmetto can prolonged bleeding time as a result of platelet dysfunction caused by cyclooxygenase inhibition.

This type of effect has only been reported in lab studies and limited case studies.

While more information is certainly needed to understand the effect saw palmetto has on blood coagulation, people taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs should be especially cautious and avoid using saw palmetto without first consulting with their healthcare provider.

Saw palmetto is a popular herbal supplement that has been used for various health benefits, including treating urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate.

However, some research has shown that saw palmetto may increase the risk of bleeding in people taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs, with the theoretical mechanism being that saw palmetto can prolonged bleeding time as a result of platelet dysfunction caused by cyclooxygenase inhibition.

This type of effect has only been reported in lab studies and limited case studies.

While more information is certainly needed to understand the effect saw palmetto has on blood coagulation, people taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs should be especially cautious and avoid using saw palmetto without first consulting with their healthcare provider.

References

• Cheema P, El-Mefty O, Jazieh AR. Intraoperative haemorrhage associated with the use of extract of Saw Palmetto herb: a case report and review of literature. J Intern Med 2001;250:167-9.

Naproxen Overview

• Prescription naproxen is used to relieve pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis (arthritis caused by a breakdown of the lining of the joints), rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis caused by swelling of the lining of the joints), juvenile arthritis (a form of joint disease in children), and ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis that mainly affects the spine). Prescription naproxen tablets, extended-release tablets, and suspension are also used to relieve shoulder pain caused by bursitis (inflammation of a fluid-filled sac in the shoulder joint), tendinitis (inflammation of the tissue that connects muscle to bone), gouty arthritis (attacks of joint pain caused by a build-up of certain substances in the joints), and pain from other causes, including menstrual pain (pain that happens before or during a menstrual period). Nonprescription naproxen is used to reduce fever and to relieve mild pain from headaches, muscle aches, arthritis, menstrual periods, the common cold, toothaches, and backaches. Naproxen is in a class of medications called NSAIDs. It works by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain, fever, and inflammation.

Saw Palmetto - More Interactions

Saw Palmetto interacts with 170 drugs

Interaction Rating Key

These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.