Evening Primrose Oil … Safety & Interactions
Evening primrose oil may add to anticoagulant or antiplatelet effects and increase bleeding time. Human data also suggest higher antiretroviral levels, while a possible blood pressure effect remains uncertain.
Use with caution. Healthcare professional review recommended before use.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy without obstetric guidance
- Active bleeding disorders or use before surgery without medical guidance
Cautions
- Abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, and headache can occur.
- Pregnancy data are inconclusive, and attempted labor induction has produced inconsistent results and complications.
- Commercial products may contain additional ingredients with different safety profiles.
Drug Interactions
| Drug Class / Substrate | Mechanism | Severity | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anticoagulants and antiplatelet medicines | Gamma-linolenic acid may reduce platelet activity and increase bleeding time. | Major | Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs |
| Antiretroviral medicines | Human research found increased antiretroviral levels and a possible increase in adverse effects. | Moderate | Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs |
| Blood pressure medicines | Population data associate evening primrose oil with increased blood pressure, but a direct medication interaction has not been established. | Uncertain | Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs |
Pregnancy
Not recommended during pregnancy. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before any use.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal medicines, especially if you take prescription medications.