If you're concerned about drug interactions, we recommend checking them here.
You can also read more about the medications we recommend, their side effects and their effects on pre-existing conditions here.
Some drugs can affect how quickly other drugs you're taking are metabolised – how quickly your body breaks down and processes them. This can affect how effective and safe the drugs are. If you're taking medication that have known metabolism interactions, monitor your response and keep your blood tests up to date.
Increased Metabolism
Faster Breakdown of the Drug: If one drug increases the metabolism of another, it causes the second drug to be broken down more quickly than usual in your body.
Reduced Efficacy: This rapid breakdown can reduce the effectiveness of the second drug, as it may not stay in your system long enough to produce its intended effect.
Dosage Adjustments: You might need to adjust the dosage of the affected drug or consider an alternative medication to make sure it stays being effective. Your blood test results will help us understand whether you have the right levels of medication in your system, so dose adjustments can be made.
Decreased Metabolism
Slower Breakdown of the Drug: If one drug decreases the metabolism of another, it slows down the process by which the body breaks down the second drug.
Increased Drug Levels: This can lead to higher levels of the drug in your system for a longer period, potentially increasing the risk of side effects.
Monitoring for Side Effects: Watch for side effects and adjust the dosage accordingly. Again, regular blood testing can help us make sure you're receiving the right dose.
Mechanisms of Interaction
Enzyme Induction or Inhibition: Most drug metabolism interactions occur in the liver, where enzymes are responsible for breaking down medications. A drug can either induce (increase the activity of) or inhibit (decrease the activity of) these enzymes.
A common example is when a person takes a medication that is an enzyme inducer along with a second drug. The inducer can speed up the metabolism of the second drug, leading to decreased levels of that drug in the bloodstream.
Importance of Medical Supervision
Consult Healthcare Providers: Always inform healthcare providers about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal remedies.
Adjustments and Monitoring: Your healthcare providers may adjust dosages or recommend alternative medications to avoid or manage these interactions.
Individual Variation: Drug interactions can vary from person to person based on individual metabolic rates and other factors like age, liver function, and genetic differences.