ST. JOHN'S WORT FACT SHEET FOR THE PUBLIC

©Herbs, Gardens & Health™ 2011

Important safety information for people taking St John’s Wort preparations

St John’s Wort (SJW) preparations are unlicensed herbal remedies. Their levels of active ingredients

can vary from one preparation to another. They are widely used in the UK being available from

pharmacies, health food shops and herbal practitioners. St John’s Wort preparations may interfere

(interact) with medicines, stopping them from working properly. If you are taking medicines it may

not be safe for you to take St John’s Wort preparations. The advice in the box is provided below to

help you understand how this may affect you.

I am currently taking a St John’s Wort preparation, and I am not taking any medicine(s).

Advice: If you buy a medicine from a pharmacy or are prescribed a medicine by your doctor you must

tell your pharmacist or doctor about the St John’s Wort preparation.

I am already taking medicine(s) but I would like to start taking a St John’s Wort preparation.

Advice: You must not take a St John’s Wort preparation until you have checked with your pharmacist

or doctor that it is safe for you to do so.

Epilepsy or fits : I am on tablets for epilepsy/fits and I am also taking a St John’s Wort preparation,

Transplant: I am on tablets following a transplant and I am also taking a St John’s Wort preparation,

Asthma or chronic bronchitis : I am on theophylline tablets for my chest and I am also taking a St

John’s Wort preparation,

Heart condition: I am taking digoxin for a heart condition and I am also taking a St John’s Wort

preparation,

Blood clots : I am taking warfarin to thin my blood and I am also taking a St John’s Wort preparation,

Advice for patients with any of these conditions: You will need to stop taking the St John’s Wort

preparation as it may stop your medicine from working properly. However, you should see your

pharmacist or doctor before stopping the St John’s Wort preparation as the dose of your medicine

may need to be altered to prevent side effects.

Contraceptive pill: I am on the pill and I am also taking a St John’s Wort preparation,

Advice: You should stop taking the St John’s Wort preparation as it may stop your pill from

working. Continue to take your contraceptive pill as normal. There is no need to see your pharmacist

or doctor urgently, however, mention it when you next consult your doctor or are dispensed a

medicine.

Migraine : I take treatment for migraine and I am also taking a St John’s Wort preparation,

Depression: I am on treatment for depression and I am also taking a St John’s Wort preparation,.

Advice: You should stop taking the St John’s Wort preparation as it may stop your medicine from

working. There is no need to see your pharmacist or doctor urgently, however, mention it when you

next consult your doctor or are dispensed a medicine.

HIV: I am HIV positive and on treatment and I am also taking a St John’s Wort preparation,

Advice: You should stop taking the St John’s Wort preparation and see your doctor who may

suggest you have your HIV viral load checked.

Advice: I am currently taking both a St John’s Wort preparation and a prescribed medicine not

mentioned above.

Advice: Tell your pharmacist or doctor that you are taking a St John’s Wort preparation when you

are next dispensed a medicine or consult your doctor.

· It is important to always tell your pharmacist or doctor about any herbal remedy or over the counter medicine you are taking.

· For further information call NHS Direct on 08 45 46 47.