Pharmacist Warns of Side Effects of Common Herbal Supplement

It goes without saying that you should always consult with your doctor before taking any kind of over-the-counter supplements. As such, a popular TikTok pharmacist has issued a public service warning when it comes to one relatively common herbal supplement that can adversely impact 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 against taking St. John’s-wort, which is commonly used as an antidepressant. However, Melillo says the herbal remedy is "the worst supplement to take if you are on other medications."

“Honestly, if someone tells you to take this, I think they really just don’t like you," he quipped. "This natural supplement has an interaction with pretty much everything." And in case his followers thought he was simply being a "hater" of St. John’s-wort, he noted that it's even banned in France.

"We want to preface, if you’re taking this right now for depression, do not stop this," Melillo continued. "But I do want you to talk to your doctor if you should really be taking this."

"Because look at all these lovely drug interactions that interact with St. John’s-wort," he said, as a list scrolled behind him. "It's a lot. The list keeps going on and on and on." And while Melillo pointed out that there are several major drug interactions to be aware of, the one that really needs to be highlighted is that it can decrease the effectiveness of birth control.

@millennialrx

The WORST SUPPLEMENT to take if you are on other medications #pharmacy #pharmacist #stjohnswort #stjohns #pharmacytechnician #naturalsupplements #millennialrx

♬ original sound - Dr. Ethan Melillo, PharmD

"This is why it's so important, whenever you're starting a new supplement, to talk to your provider or pharmacist," he concluded. "I'm not saying natural supplements are bad, because most of them can really help people. But before taking them, you gotta know all the safety precautions."

In addition to decreasing the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, St. John’s-wort can also reduce 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 includes stomach pain, fatigue, and restlessness.

In other words, it's all the more reason not to jump into a new heath regimen without seeking the advice of a professional.