Mayo Clinic Q and A: Can Medications and Supplements Interact With One Another?

The word used by many to describe taking multiple prescription and over-the-counter medications, and dietary and herbal supplements, is "polypharmacy." Although it has many definitions, the broadest definition of polypharmacy is the simultaneous use of multiple medications or supplements to treat one or more medical conditions in one patient. Dreamstime/TNS

By Cynthia Weiss From Mayo Clinic News Network

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: As I have gotten older, doctors have placed me on more medications, such as for blood pressure and cholesterol. Also, as I age, I have chosen to take some supplements that are supposed to improve my memory, reduce cholesterol and prevent cancer. Should I worry about these supplements interacting with one another or my medications?