1 in 3 with lupus takes supplements, medications with potential for interactions
Nearly 1 in 3 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are taking a supplement-medication combination with potential for an interaction, according to a study published online Sept. 22 in Arthritis Care & Research.
A recent study found that nearly one-third of adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) take supplements that could potentially interact with their medications. Conducted by Dr. Sarah L. Patterson and colleagues from the University of California, San Francisco, the research analyzed data from 451 participants in the Approaches to Positive, Patient-centered Experiences of Aging with Lupus study.
The findings, published in Arthritis Care & Research, indicate that 80.9% of the participants used at least one supplement, with 55.9% using two or more. Vitamins D, multivitamins, calcium, vitamin B12, and iron were the most commonly used supplements. The study also revealed that 29.5% of the participants were taking supplements alongside medications with the potential for interactions.
The risk of these interactions was higher in individuals with polypharmacy (taking five or more prescription medications), greater disease damage due to SLE, and those who had recently visited their primary care physician. The researchers emphasize the importance of routine assessment of supplement use to ensure safe and informed supplement use in individuals with SLE.
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