If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you
should not use EPO without first talking to your healthcare provider.
Ceftazidime, an antibiotic
GLA from EPO or other sources may
increase the effectiveness of ceftazidime, an antibiotic in a class known as
cephalosporins, against a variety of bacterial infections.
Chemotherapy for cancer
GLA from EPO or other sources may
increase the effects of anti-cancer treatments, such as doxorubicin, cisplatin,
carboplatin, idarubicin, mitoxantrone, tamoxifen, vincristine, and vinblastine.
Cyclosporine
In animal studies, EPO administered during
treatment with cyclosporine, a medication used to suppress immune function after
an organ transplant, for example, may protect against kidney damage (a possible
side effect of the medication).
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Theoretically,
use of NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, together with borage oil or other GLA
containing supplements like EPO may counter-act the effects of the supplement.
Research in this area is needed to know if this theory is accurate.
Phenothizines for Schizophrenia
Individuals taking a class of
medications called phenothiazines (such as chlorpromazine, fluphenazine,
perphenazine, promazine, and thioridazine) to treat schizophrenia should not
take EPO because it may interact with these medications and increase the risk of
seizures.
