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Is There A Reaction Between White Willow Bark And Warfarin?

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Posted on Sun, 10 Apr 2022
Question: Is there a reaction between white willow bark & warfarin?
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Answered by Dr. Mahboob Ur Rahman (52 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes, it can possibly increase bleeding risk.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

White Willow has been traditionally used since long for pain relief. It's chemical ingredient is salicin which basically works like aspirin. And as Aspirin relieves pain and fever, but also causes thinning of blood, similarly white willow can also cause thinning of blood besides pain relief.

Warfarin is a also a potent drug used to stop blood clotting , So white willow possible can increase this effect , and hence the risk of bleeding is increased. So extreme caution is needed as some times serious bleeding can occur .personally I would advise not to use this (white willow) if some one is on warfarin.
For pain relief, some one on warfarin, only paracetamol is a safe option.

Hope it's clear now. Let me know if you have anything else to ask about it. I would be glad to answer your query.
Regards.
Dr. Rahman
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Mahboob Ur Rahman

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 2305 Questions

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Is There A Reaction Between White Willow Bark And Warfarin?

Brief Answer: Yes, it can possibly increase bleeding risk. Detailed Answer: Hi, White Willow has been traditionally used since long for pain relief. It's chemical ingredient is salicin which basically works like aspirin. And as Aspirin relieves pain and fever, but also causes thinning of blood, similarly white willow can also cause thinning of blood besides pain relief. Warfarin is a also a potent drug used to stop blood clotting , So white willow possible can increase this effect , and hence the risk of bleeding is increased. So extreme caution is needed as some times serious bleeding can occur .personally I would advise not to use this (white willow) if some one is on warfarin. For pain relief, some one on warfarin, only paracetamol is a safe option. Hope it's clear now. Let me know if you have anything else to ask about it. I would be glad to answer your query. Regards. Dr. Rahman