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NPS Medicines Line Q & ANPS Medicines Line Q & A

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Each day, scores of people ring the pharmacists at NPS Medicines Line  on 1300 888 763 to ask questions about their medicines. Here’s one from Sarah.

Q  - I’ve been feeling depressed lately and a friend recommended St John’s wort. The only medicine I take is the oral contraceptive pill. Is it safe to take these together?

A - St John’s wort has been shown to be effective in mild to moderate depression. However, despite being a natural medicine, St John’s wort has been reported to interact with many other medicines, including the oral contraceptive pill. Some women taking the pill and St John’s wort have reported bleeding between periods, irregular bleeding and contraceptive failure, ie pregnancy. As there is a risk of the pill not working if you take it in combination with St John’s wort, I would recommend that you discuss with your doctor other ways of tackling your feelings of depression.

 

MedicinesTalk is a free quarterly newsletter for consumers written by consumers about using medicines wisely. Subscribe to the hard copy version using our online ordering system, or write to MedicinesTalk, National Prescribing Service Limited, PO Box 1147, Strawberry Hills, NSW 2012.

Date published: 2009-10-27 00:00:00

Reasonable care is taken to provide accurate information at the date of creation. This information is not intended as a substitute for medical advice from a qualified health professional. Health professionals should rely on their own expertise and enquiries when providing medical advice or treatment. Where permitted by law, NPS disclaims all liability (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or injury resulting from reliance on or use of this information. Read our full disclaimer.

References to brands should not be taken as an endorsement by NPS.