Question: We have had a strange experience with prescription drugs combined with a multiple vitamin. My husband takes Verelan, Altace and Proscar. His doctor also recommended a daily multivitamin.
Shortly after he began this regimen, he began to have very strong bad breath, noticeable across the room. I bought several kinds of mouthwash and breath freshener, but we solved the problem in a different way. When we traveled away from home over Thanksgiving, he forgot his vitamins. The bad breath disappeared! Have you ever heard of such a thing before?
Answer: Hundreds of medications can cause dry mouth, which might contribute to gum disease, tooth decay, changes in taste and bad breath. Both Verelan and Altace are occasionally linked to dry mouth.
We've never heard of vitamin-induced halitosis, but body chemistry differs from person to person. Someone else might have had a similar experience. If so, we'd like to hear about it.
Question: I take Coumadin, Lanoxin, Lasix and potassium for a heart problem, Zocor and garlic for cholesterol and Glucophage to control blood sugar. I've read that Zocor can deplete the body of Coenzyme Q10, and I wonder if I should be taking it. I'm also hoping that it will help my gums, which are irritated even though I am doing everything my dentist has recommended. Would it be OK to take Coenzyme Q10, or will it interact with any of my medicines? I also take ginkgo.
Answer: Coenzyme Q10 can reduce the effectiveness of Coumadin, which could lead to a dangerous blood clot. But garlic and ginkgo might magnify Coumadin's blood-thinning effects and increase the risk of bleeding. This makes your situation very complex, especially since many foods can also alter Coumadin's activity.
To add to the confusion, both potassium and Glucophage (metformin) might put you at risk of vitamin B-12 deficiency. This could lead to peripheral neuropathy, weakness, forgetfulness and anemia. Always ask your doctor about potential interactions between medications and supplements.
We are sending you our Guides to Food & Coumadin Interactions, with more details on how foods, drugs and nutrients interact. Anyone who would like copies may send $3 in check or money order and a long (No. 10), self-addressed, stamped (60 cents) envelope to: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, Dept. FND-166, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.
New interactions with Coumadin crop up periodically. A recent report indicates that mangoes can amplify the action of this anti-clotting drug.
Question: My 8-year-old son has eczema. We are following the doctor's instructions and use unscented Lubriderm lotion, limit his baths and use 1 percent Cortizone. This seems to be of little help.
We have recently heard that flaxseed might be helpful. Could you enlighten us as to the pros and cons of using flaxseed in some form to help with his skin condition? The doctor has nothing to say about flaxseed because he says it's not FDA-approved.
Answer: Flaxseed is a food that contains omega-3 fatty acids similar to those found in fish oil. These compounds lower cholesterol and have anti-inflammatory activity, which might help calm down an overactive immune system.
Although we have not found any research proving that flaxseed oil can relieve eczema, veterinarians are using it for skin problems in dogs and horses. Some readers of this column report benefit against eczema. Side effects of flaxseed oil appear uncommon.
In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of King Features Syndicate, 888 Seventh Ave., New York, NY 10019, or e-mail them at pharmacy@mindspring.com or via their Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.org. Their newest book is "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies" (St. Martin's Press). © King Features Syndicate, Inc.