When you start to take a new medication, it is essential to understand what you can do to make your experience of this drug as comfortable as possible. This includes the food and drink items you might need to avoid.
Some food groups can prevent certain medicines from being absorbed into the bloodstream. In addition, some nutrients, such as calcium or iron, reduce absorption and reduce the effectiveness of the medication.
There may also be potentially dangerous drug interactions to consider.
When starting a new prescription, your doctor or another healthcare professional will offer specific advice about dosage, dose timings, and diet plans.
However, it can also be helpful to understand the foods, lifestyle habits and other drugs to avoid for yourself so that your medication can do its job and you can maintain a good quality of life.
Whether you're looking for the latest vitamins and supplements, want to stock up on over the counter medication, or are looking for a digital solution for your regular prescription, our providers have you covered. Compare brands below and click on your favourite to shop their best offers now!
Foods to avoid while taking mirtazapine
Mirtazapine is a common antidepressant prescribed to treat mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. For the most part, lifestyle or food choices do not affect mirtazapine.
However, it is essential to avoid alcohol as this can worsen the side effects of this medication. In addition, one of the main side effects of mirtazapine is drowsiness, so it is vital to avoid any foods or drinks that exacerbate this feeling.
There are also certain medicines to avoid while taking mirtazapine, such as tramadol or morphine. These drugs can cause drowsiness, and other antidepressants can also be dangerous when taken alongside mirtazapine.
It is also essential to avoid St. John's Wort, as this common herbal remedy can increase serotonin levels in the blood. Mirtazapine also releases more serotonin in the body, and in some cases, this can lead to serotonin syndrome. This is a rare but serious side effect of this drug.
Learn more about what you may need to avoid when taking mirtazapine.
Foods to avoid while taking metformin
Metformin treats type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes and PCOS. The main food group to avoid while taking this medication is sugar. Metformin plays an essential role in blood sugar control, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels in the body for those with diabetes.
Doctors prescribe this medication if diet and exercise cannot effectively manage blood sugar levels. As such, it is important to avoid sugary foods such as cakes, sweets, juice, ice cream, and fizzy drinks. This helps metformin do its job.
Many patients experience sickness and stomach aches while taking metformin. Avoid these side effects by taking metformin with food.
It is also important to reduce alcohol intake or cut it out completely because alcohol can raise blood sugar levels.
Before taking this drug, speak to a doctor about any current prescriptions. Steroid tablets, contraception, and blood pressure medication can all affect metformin or create a dangerous interaction.
Find out more about the foods you may need to avoid while taking metformin.
Foods to avoid while taking Ozempic
Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide, a common diabetes medication that reduces blood sugar levels and lowers the risk of heart attacks or kidney problems for those with type 2 diabetes.
There are no specific foods and drinks to avoid while taking this medication. Still, it is important to consider lifestyle habits and food choices.
You may want to avoid heavy foods such as carbohydrates or reduce your diet while taking this drug. Ozempic curbs appetite, which encourages weight loss and the feeling of fullness for longer. Sticking to a firm diet plan will help you feel more comfortable while taking this medication.
Avoid other diabetes drugs and insulin, as these drugs can increase the likelihood of hypoglycemia, and it is crucial to keep blood sugar in a healthy range. Other possible drug interactions include tricyclic antidepressants and beta-blockers such as atenolol.
Learn more about the foods to avoid while taking Ozempic.
Foods to avoid while taking apixaban
Apixaban is an essential medication for those at high risk of strokes or deep vein thrombosis. It is a common drug, but it is crucial to understand your lifestyle habits so that you stay safe and comfortable while taking apixaban.
One of the main side effects of apixaban is the risk of bleeding. You might experience more bleeding than usual, such as bleeding gums and heavy periods. It is crucial you avoid activities that could cause an injury, such as bruising or cuts.
Avoid St. John's Wort, as this worsens the side effects of this medication. Heavy drinking can also increase the impact of apixaban in your body, leading to more bleeding.
Some doctors also suggest it is a good idea to avoid foods high in vitamin K, such as cranberry juice and broccoli. This is because apixaban thins the blood and dissolves blood clots, and vitamin K can thicken the blood. This means this medication cannot do its job as effectively when combined with certain foods.
Find out more about the foods to avoid while taking apixaban.
Foods to avoid when taking bisoprolol
Bisoprolol is a common beta-blocker that treats high blood pressure (hypertension), heart failure, chest pain and other heart conditions. It works by slowing down the heart rate, making it easier for the heart to pump blood around the body.
There are no specific foods you need to avoid when taking bisoprolol. However, many medical professionals suggest fundamental lifestyle alterations to help this medication do its job.
It is vital to quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption, as these can increase blood pressure and worsen heart failure symptoms. Caffeine can also interact with this medication, making bisoprolol less effective.
A healthy diet is also an essential part of managing blood pressure. This includes choosing low-fat or nutrient-rich options and reducing salt. In addition, daily exercise keeps your heart and blood vessels healthy, which helps bisoprolol do its job and effectively control hypertension.
There are also a few drug interactions with bisoprolol. It is vital to avoid any medications that reduce your blood pressure when taking bisoprolol, as this can cause low blood pressure. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also prevent bisoprolol from correctly managing blood pressure levels.
Unlike other beta-blockers, it is rare for bisoprolol to cause harmful side effects. Some patients might feel dizzy or nauseous, but these side effects are usually short-lived. Reduce these symptoms by sticking to a healthy and balanced lifestyle when taking bisoprolol.
Learn more about the foods to avoid when taking bisoprolol.
Foods to avoid while taking Saxenda
Saxenda is the brand name for liraglutide, a newly approved weight loss medication that treats obesity.
This medication is an incretin mimetic, mimicking glucagon-like peptide in the body. This is the hormone that tells the brain when you’re full. This means that you feel fuller for longer, reducing appetite and cravings for those struggling with obesity.
Saxenda is an important medication for patients at risk of weight-related conditions, such as heart attacks or type 2 diabetes. It is prescribed for those with a BMI of 35 or more.
There are no foods to avoid while taking Saxenda. However, it is essential to follow a balanced lifestyle and implement certain eating habits to help this medication do its job.
Choose smaller portion sizes, eat slower and follow a low-calorie diet. Many healthcare providers recommend choosing low-fat options and avoiding foods high in sugar, such as fizzy drinks or processed carbohydrates.
It is also a good idea to exercise regularly, as this drug is most effective when combined with consistent fitness.
By sticking to a restricted dietary and exercise plan, you can improve the efficiency of liraglutide and keep the weight off after completing your prescription.
Find out more about the foods to avoid while taking Saxenda.
Foods to avoid while taking nitrofurantoin macrodantin
Nitrofurantoin macrodantin is an effective antibiotic for treating urinary tract infections (UTIs). These infections can cause pain when urinating and general abdominal pain, and treating them as soon as possible is essential.
This medication has a few common side effects, including nausea, vomiting and headaches. However, it is possible to reduce nausea by eating food with this prescription and staying hydrated.
There are no specific food or drink items to avoid while taking nitrofurantoin macrodantin. However, it is essential to understand certain lifestyle factors during treatment, such as avoiding caffeine and spicy food.
Nitrofurantoin macrodantin works by killing and damaging the bacteria that cause your UTI. As with any antibiotic, it is essential to build up your healthy bacteria by eating food rich in probiotics, such as yoghurt.
There are also a few medication interactions with nitrofurantoin macrodantin, including antacids and supplements containing magnesium trisilicate. This is because these drugs can reduce the absorption and effectiveness of this medication.
Patients with underlying conditions cannot take this prescription, including those with kidney disease, diabetes or anaemia.
Find out more about the foods to avoid while taking nitrofurantoin macrodantin.
