Can You Take 'Relief Factor' Supplements With Blood Thinners?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses the safety concerns of combining the supplement 'Relief Factor' with blood thinners.
My dad is currently on blood thinners for Afib. He is in excruciating pain from inflammation (hips, shoulder, back, leg, neck). Can he take Relief Factor since he is on blood thinners? Is there some sort of interaction between these two things? I know he can't take regular anti-inflammatory meds like ibuprofen....but, would 'Relief Factor' be an option?
Sep 02, 2022- Relief Factor contains turmeric and horny goat weed, which both have blood-thinning effects and should not be combined with blood thinner medications without doctor approval due to increased bleeding risk.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a safer pain relief option for people taking blood thinners, unlike NSAIDs or supplements like Relief Factor.
- Your doctor should supervise any decision to use Relief Factor with blood thinners since more research is needed to fully understand this interaction.
Answer
Thanks so much for reaching out to us!
You don't mention in your question which blood thinner your father is taking, but the answer is still the same. In general, dietary supplements containing turmeric or curcumin (the active constituent of turmeric) should not be used if you are taking a blood thinner. The supplement 'Relief Factor' contains turmeric, as shown in the supplement facts label.
'Relief Factor' Supplement Facts Label Shows It Contains Turmeric
What Do The Studies Say About Turmeric And Blood Thinners?
Although more data is needed to fully understand how turmeric works, a number of studies have shown that curcumin, a constituent of turmeric, has antiplatelet effects (i.e. blood thinning effects). Due to this, it should not be used with other drugs that thin the blood as this could increase the risk of dangerous bleeding, like gastrointestinal bleeding. Blood thinners include:
- Eliquis
- Coumadin (Warfarin)
- Plavix (Clopidogrel)
- Pradaxa
- Xarelto
- Aggrenox
I couldn't find studies that have evaluated turmeric with all of the above blood thinners, so this interaction is theoretical to some degree. However, there have been several studies that show turmeric given along with warfarin can result in an increased INR (which indicates longer blood coagulation times).
It is important to note that not all studies show turmeric/curcumin thins the blood. One such study tested a patented form of curcumin (Meriva) and found that it had no impact on bleeding times in individuals after 10 days of use.
It's clear that more large-scale studies are needed, but, to be safe, it would be prudent to not take turmeric supplements if you are also on a blood thinner unless directed by your doctor. At the very least, you should be under medical supervision if you do combine turmeric with blood thinners.
Other Ingredients In 'Relief Factor' May Be A Concern As Well
'Relief Factor' also contains epimedium, which is another name for 'horny goat weed', a very commonly used ingredient in dietary supplements.
Horny goat weed, like turmeric, has been linked to having blood thinning effects and generally should not be used with blood thinners due to the increased risk of bleeding.
Alternative Pain Relief Options
You're right that NSAIDs, like Advil and Aleve, generally shouldn't be used with blood thinners either. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is typically a better choice as it doesn't thin the blood. Other options include a variety of topical pain relievers and there are some prescription drugs that could be used as well, but it's tough to give a specific recommendation without having a complete medical profile as your doctor does.
Final Words
Thanks again for reaching out! Please feel free to write us again if anything else comes up.
References & sources
- Relief Factor Website — Relief Factor
- Anticoagulant activities of curcumin and its derivative — PubMed
- Curcumin, hemostasis, thrombosis, and coagulation — PubMed
- Interaction study between antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants, thyroid replacement therapy and a bioavailable formulation of curcumin (Meriva®) — PubMed
- Turmeric and Its Major Compound Curcumin on Health: Bioactive Effects and Safety Profiles for Food, Pharmaceutical, Biotechnological and Medicinal Applications — PubMed
- Antiplatelet and Antithrombotic Effects of Epimedium koreanum Nakai — PubMed
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Curcumin
- The active ingredient in turmeric that is responsible for its medicinal effects.
- Antiplatelet effects
- The ability to prevent blood cells called platelets from clumping together, which thins the blood.
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Bleeding that occurs in the stomach or intestines.
- INR
- A blood test measurement that shows how long it takes for blood to clot.
- Blood coagulation times
- The length of time it takes for blood to thicken and form a clot.
- Epimedium
- The scientific name for an herb commonly known as horny goat weed used in dietary supplements.
- NSAIDs
- A class of pain-relieving medications like ibuprofen and naproxen that can also thin the blood.
- Acetaminophen
- A pain reliever and fever reducer sold under brand names like Tylenol that does not thin the blood.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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