Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I take these supplements with the rest of my medications?
- Can I take fish oil supplements with Warfarin?
- Is it ok to take fish oil supplements right up until the night before my surgery?
- Should I tell my GP about these supplements?
- Does taking fish oil supplements increase my risk of bleeding problems after surgery?
- Do these supplements cause any side effects or discomfort?
- If I experience any side effects or discomfort what should I do?
- If my surgery is cancelled or postponed should I continue to take the supplements?
- Is it useful for me to continue taking these supplements after I have completed the Integrative Cardiac Surgery Wellness Program?
Can I take these supplements with the rest of my medications?
Yes, these supplements are safe to take with the rest of your medications. Before you were enrolled in the Wellness Program your medication list was reviewed by one of our practitioners with this in mind.
TopCan I take fish oil supplements with Warfarin?
Yes, the dose of fish oils you are taking on our program is safe to take with Warfarin. You may read that fish oils should not be used with Warfarin but this is only true when you are taking more than 12 grams a day of fish oils. On the Wellness Program you are taking only 3 grams a day of fish oils.
TopIs it ok to take fish oil supplements right up until the night before my surgery?
Yes, we ask that you take both the supplements we provided you with right up until the night before your surgery.
TopShould I tell my GP about these supplements?
Yes, we encourage you to let you GP know you are enrolled in the Wellness Program when you are at your next consultation with him or her. If your GP or specialist doctor has any questions they can contact Professor Rosenfeldt on (03) 9276 3684. If you have any questions please do NOT call Professor Rosenfeldt, but Cathy Reardon or Ondine Spitzer are both available to answer your queries and can be contacted on (03) 9903 0838.
TopDoes taking fish oil supplements increase my risk of bleeding problems after surgery?
No, fish oils supplements at the recommended dose that we have prescribed will not increase your risk of bleeding after surgery. We refer you to Dr Lesley Braun's published article which summarises the research literature about this issue (published in The Australian Journal of Pharmacy, August 2008, volume 89, pages 52-3). Please contact Cathy Reardon or Ondine Spitzer on (03) 9903 0838 if you would like a copy of this article sent to you.
TopDo these supplements cause any side effects or discomfort?
If you are taking these supplements with a meal then this should minimize any side effects or discomfort. Some people get mild nausea or heartburn (indigestion), but generally these symptoms ease after 2-3 days.
TopIf I experience any side effects or discomfort what should I do?
If you have any persistent discomfort or any associated vomiting, please stop the supplements and contact Cathy Reardon or Ondine Spitzer on (03) 9903 0838.
TopIf my surgery is cancelled or postponed should I continue to take the supplements?
Yes, please continue the supplements right up until the night before your new surgery date. Please contact us on (03) 9903 0838 if you are still unsure or if you are running out of supplements.
TopIs it useful for me to continue taking these supplements after I have completed the Integrative Cardiac Surgery Wellness Program?
Yes, long term consumption of fish oil supplements is beneficial. Once you have completed the Wellness Program you are under no obligation to continue taking the supplements. However, if you would like to continue with the supplements please let us know and we can explain how to purchase the Bioceutical brand at a reduced price. Alternatively you can purchase another brand through your local pharmacy or health food store.
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