Alfalfa
Other Names: Feuille de Luzerna, Lucerne, Medicago, Medicago sativa, Purple Medick
What interactions should I watch for?
Prescription Drugs
Because alfalfa may have a lowering effect on blood sugar, alfalfa may increase the effectiveness of medications used for the treatment of diabetes. Individuals who use insulin or take oral medications for diabetes should talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using alfalfa.
Diuretics promote the loss of water from the body. Possible slight diuretic effects of alfalfa could increase the effectiveness of prescription diuretics, which are also called "water pills". Individuals taking a diuretic drug, such as Dyazide, furosemide, or hydrochlorothiazide, should discuss the use of alfalfa with a doctor or pharmacist before beginning to use it.
Alfalfa contains large amounts of vitamin K, a substance that helps the blood to clot. When it is taken with antiplatelets or anticoagulants--drugs that prevent blood clotting, alfalfa may decrease the drug's effects and blood clots may form.
- Antiplatelets include clopidogrel and Ticlid
- Anticoagulants include heparin and warfarin
Chemicals in alfalfa may act like estrogen in the body. When it is taken at the same time as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or oral contraceptives, alfalfa may interfere with the way the body uses the drug. As a result, HRT or oral contraceptives may not be as effective, some women may experience increased side effects, and the risk of an unintended pregnancy may be slightly higher.
Because it possibly may enhance immune system function, alfalfa may interfere with the effects of corticosteroids (such as dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone, and others) and drugs used to suppress the immune system after organ transplants or in other conditions. Taking alfalfa is not recommended for patients who take anti-rejection drugs such as:
- azathioprine
- CellCept
- cyclosporine
- Prograf
- Rapamune
- Zenapax
Non-prescription Drugs
Alfalfa can increase the ability of blood to clot after an injury. Aspirin delays clotting, so taking alfalfa could interfere with the anticoagulant effects of aspirin. Alfalfa should not be used while aspirin is being taken on a regular basis.
Alfalfa has been shown to block the absorption of vitamin E from the diet. Even though no serious results have been reported and the possibility is extremely slight, a vitamin E deficiency could occur.
Herbal Products
Theoretically, if alfalfa is used with other herbs that affect the consistency of blood, bleeding or clotting may occur. Herbal products that might promote blood clots include nettles and plantain. Some of the most common herbal products that might reduce blood clotting are:
- Danshen
- Devil's Claw
- Eleuthero
- Garlic
- Ginger (in high amounts)
- Ginkgo
- Horse Chestnut
- Panax Ginseng
- Papain
- Red Clover
- Saw Palmetto
Some interactions between herbal products and medications can be more severe than others. The best way for you to avoid harmful interactions is to tell your doctor and/or pharmacist what medications you are currently taking, including any over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbals. For specific information on how alfalfa interacts with drugs, other herbals, and foods and the severity of those interactions, please use our Drug Interactions Checker to check for possible interactions.
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What interactions should I watch for?
