Drug interactions
Fish oil triglycerides + Heparin
Severity: Moderate
Fish oil triglycerides and Heparin: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
High-dose omega-3 fatty acids may slightly prolong bleeding time through effects on platelets. With heparin this could add to bleeding risk, although clinically significant bleeding is uncommon.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fish oil triglycerides and Heparin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Omega-3 fatty acids reduce platelet aggregation, adding to heparin anticoagulation.
What to do
Monitor for signs of bleeding and check coagulation parameters periodically in patients on heparin. Review the need for high-dose fish oil around invasive procedures.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Heparin
- Defibrotide + Heparin Contraindicated
- Heparin + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Heparin + Oritavancin Contraindicated
- Acemetacin + Heparin Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Heparin Major
- Alteplase + Heparin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fish oil triglycerides with Heparin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Fish oil triglycerides and Heparin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. High-dose omega-3 fatty acids may slightly prolong bleeding time through effects on platelets. With heparin this could add to bleeding risk, although clinically significant bleeding is uncommon.
How serious is the interaction between Fish oil triglycerides and Heparin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for signs of bleeding and check coagulation parameters periodically in patients on heparin. Review the need for high-dose fish oil around invasive procedures.
What other medicines interact with Heparin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Heparin with, for example, Defibrotide, Ketorolac, Oritavancin. The full list is on the Heparin page.
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