TV Report Dangerous Liaisons: St. John's Wort And Other Medications April 27, 2000 INTRODUCTION A popular over-the-counter supplement used to treat depression is causing concern in the medical community. It turns out that St. John's wort causes serious interactions with many prescription medications. DEAN EDELL, M.D. "St. John's wort is hugely popular in the U.S. and in Europe as a treatment for depression." MAN ON STREET "It's a quick fix to make me feel like I'm doing healthy things for myself." DEAN EDELL, M.D. "But evidence continues to mount that St. John's wort should not be taken in conjunction with many prescription medicines. The reason: St. John's wort may reduce the effectiveness of many drugs, apparently by reducing an important metabolic pathway." TERRY GRAEDON/CO-AUTHOR "THE PEOPLE'S PHARMACY" "Many people think that if it's natural then it must be safe. But the truth is a lot of natural things may be dangerous." DEAN EDELL, M.D. "A short list of the more than 50 prescription medications impacted by St. John's wort include cholesterol-lowering drugs, anti-depressants, heart medications, 'AIDS cocktail' drugs, and anti-rejection medications." "The herb can also affect those taking birth control pills." JOE GRAEDON/CO-AUTHOR "THE PEOPLE'S PHARMACY" "St. John's Wort may reduce the effectiveness of the oral contraceptive and a woman might become pregnant." DEAN EDELL, M.D. "The news of an herbal remedy with potentially dangerous side effects comes as a shock to those who automatically think herbs are 'always safe.' " MAN ON STREET "It seems like there are so many out there, I can't imagine them all being checked out." DEAN EDELL, M.D. "But there is currently little governmental oversight for herbal remedies in the U.S., because they are sold as 'nutritional supplements.' TERRY GRAEDON/CO-AUTHOR "THE PEOPLE'S PHARMACY" "Buyer beware is the most important advice we can give." MAN ON STREET "I used to work for a pharmaceutical company, and I know this stuff is not actually tested efficiently, or the supplement may not be what it's reputed to be." DEAN EDELL, M.D. "As for St. John's wort, doctors are now recommending that patients taking any type of prescription drugs steer clear of it entirely." END NOTE The Food and Drug Administration says it's working with manufacturers to make sure that St. John's wort is labeled adequately to warn consumers of potential drug interactions.