(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Taking herbal or over-the-counter remedies in combination with prescription medications for arthritis can be dangerous. United Kingdom researchers conducted a study to help understand the prevalence of arthritis patients taking herbal or over-the-counter remedies.

Study participants were asked about their diagnoses and treatments as well as whether they had used any herbal or over-the-counter remedies in the past six months. Surveyors also looked at the patients’ perceived risk of the remedies they used and whether or not they had sought advice from a health care professional before taking the remedy.

Forty-four percent of the patients had used herbal or over-the-counter remedies, such as cod liver oil, glucosamine and/or chondroitin, and evening primose oil.

One in 10 were taking remedies that might interact with conventional drugs. These included echinacea, ginkgo biloba, garlic, and devil’s claw. In addition, 24 of the 26 patients who had put themselves at risk were unaware they had done so.

Study authors recommend health care workers should be particularly vigilant and ask patients about herbal remedies when inquiring about drug history. They also believe patients and prescribers need more education on the risks and potential interactions of these preparations.

SOURCE: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 2005;64:790