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Herbal Products and Prescription Medicines: A Safety Checklist

Herbal Products and Prescription Medicines: A Safety Checklist

Content updated: 1 September 2026

Herbal ingredients can change how medicines work, add side effects or create extra risk around surgery, pregnancy and some medical conditions. A complete product list helps prevent avoidable problems.

In this guide
  • Make one complete list
  • Identify higher-risk situations
  • Check before surgery or pregnancy
  • Act on side effects

Make one complete list

Write down every prescription medicine, over-the-counter medicine, vitamin, herbal product, powder, tea and oil you use. Include the amount and how often you take it. Show the same list to your doctor, pharmacist and hakeem.

Identify higher-risk situations

Extra care is needed with medicines for blood thinning, blood pressure, diabetes, seizures, heart conditions, transplant care, cancer, HIV or mental health. Do not assume spacing the products by a few hours removes every interaction.

Check before surgery or pregnancy

  • Tell the surgical team about supplements well before a planned procedure.
  • Ask before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
  • Do not give adult herbal products to children without qualified advice.
Bring the original pack or a clear photo of its ingredients to your appointment. Product names alone may not show what is inside.

Act on side effects

Stop a new non-essential product and seek advice for rash, swelling, unusual bleeding, severe dizziness, persistent vomiting, yellow skin or eyes, breathing trouble or rapidly worsening symptoms.

Never stop or reduce a prescribed medicine because of something you read online. Discuss changes with the prescribing clinician.