Medications not to mix with turmeric include blood thinners and cancer treatments. Interaction with these medications can alter their effectiveness and pose health concerns.

1. Cancer Medications

Curcumin, found in turmeric, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects.1

However, some research has found that turmeric's antioxidants may reduce the effectiveness of certain chemotherapy drugs.23

2. Blood Thinners

Antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications, like Coumadin (warfarin), Plavix (clopidogrel), and aspirin, prevent blood clotting. They help treat or prevent conditions like blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks.4

Turmeric may increase your risk for bleeding and bruising if taken with these medications.3

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Turmeric.

See a doctor right away if you have symptoms like:4

• Blood in your urine or stool
• Coughing up blood
• A cut that does not stop bleeding
• Dizziness
• Severe headache

3. Blood Sugar-Lowering Medications

Turmeric and curcumin may lower blood sugar. Be cautious if you are taking any medication for diabetes, such as glyburide, insulin, and Ozempic (semaglutide).56

Taking turmeric with diabetes medications may cause your blood sugar to drop too low, a condition known as hypoglycemia.

Signs of hypoglycemia include:5

• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• A fast heartbeat
• Shakiness

4. Amlodipine

Taking turmeric with amlodipine, used for high blood pressure and heart disease, may increase the medication's effect.

Side effects with amlodipine include:37

• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Irregular heartbeat
• Severe chest pain
• Stomach pain

However, interaction studies between amlodipine and turmeric have only been conducted in animals. Research in humans is necessary.8

5. Estrogen

Large amounts of turmeric may affect estrogen hormone replacement therapy. Turmeric can prevent estrogen from binding correctly, decreasing the therapy's effectiveness.39

6. Tamoxifen

Turmeric may reduce Nolvadex (tamoxifen) levels in your body, affecting its effectiveness. This antiestrogen medication treats breast cancer by blocking estrogen activity, potentially stopping tumor growth.10

More research is needed to understand the interaction between turmeric and tamoxifen.11

7. Medications That Can Harm Your Liver

High levels of turmeric might damage the liver, leading to conditions like hepatitis (liver inflammation), cholestasis (slowed or stopped bile flow), and cellular liver injury.

These effects have appeared at various doses. Talk with a doctor to learn how much is safe for you.312

Taking turmeric with medications that can harm the liver, such as amiodarone, methotrexate, some seizure medicines, and tetracyclines, may increase your risk of liver damage.1314

8. Sulfasalazine

Sulfasalazine treats autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Taking turmeric with sulfasalazine may increase its levels in your body, causing side effects like:315

• Chest pain
• Rash
• Seizures
• Stomach pain
• Weakness

9. Tacrolimus

Turmeric may increase tacrolimus levels, an immunosuppressant used to prevent organ transplant rejection. This increases the risk of side effects and kidney damage.

Serious side effects reported with tacrolimus include:31617

• Difficulty urinating
• Fast heartbeat
• Seizures
• Trouble breathing
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

10. Losartan

Cozaar (losartan) treats high blood pressure and some heart conditions. Taking it with turmeric may increase its blood pressure-lowering effects.

Taking turmeric with losartan may cause side effects like:31819

• Chest pain
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Hoarseness
• Muscle cramps

Research in humans is needed to understand how safe turmeric and losartan are together.3

What Supplements Should You Not Mix With Turmeric?

Supplements that you may avoid with turmeric include:3

• Iron supplements: Turmeric may reduce iron absorption.
• Supplements that affect blood clotting: Turmeric may slow blood clotting and increase bleeding risk. Taking turmeric with other supplements known to affect blood clotting, including vitamin E, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), and saw palmetto, can increase these risks.20
• Supplements that may cause liver damage: Turmeric may harm the liver and must be used cautiously with supplements that also affect the liver, including kava, black cohosh, garcinia, and green tea extract.21
• Supplements that may lower blood sugar: Turmeric may lower blood sugar, particularly if taken with other blood sugar-lowering supplements. Examples include ashwagandha, milk thistle, elderflower, and garlic.22

What Does Turmeric Do for Your Health?

Turmeric is an Asian spice from the turmeric plant, Curcuma longa, in the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. It contains curcumin, a natural pigment that gives turmeric its yellow color.3

Turmeric and curcumin have been used to treat inflammatory diseases, such as osteoarthritis (OA), seasonal allergies, and respiratory infections. They may improve conditions like depression, hyperlipidemia, and Alzheimer's disease.3

When To See a Doctor

Talk with a doctor if you are interested in taking turmeric. They can help you determine if the supplement is safe for you and if it will interact with your conditions or medications.

If you are taking turmeric supplements and have any concerning symptoms, stop taking the supplement and contact a doctor. They can evaluate you, your history, and your symptoms to determine the cause.