Getting Juiced

Warfarin-Goji Berry Drug Interaction Warning

Health Canada has issued a warning for people using the prescription drug Warfarin to avoid certain herbal, vitamin and mineral products, including Lycium barbarum (the latin name for goji berries).

Doctors prescribe Warfarin as a blood thinner to prevent clots. Drugs and health foods may change the levels of Warfarin in the human system. This is dangerous as too much Warfarin could cause excessive bleeding, while too little may increase clotting, and possibly lead to stroke or heart attack.

Evidence of Warfarin interaction has also been linked to cranberry juice, avocados, ginseng and fish oil supplements.

For a full list of interactions and other details on the warning, visit: Warfarin Interactions with Drugs, Natural Health and Food Products