*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature O: Orthodontics.

Taking Omeprazole With Other Medicines And Herbal Supplements

NHS medicines information on taking other medicines, herbal remedies or herbal supplements with omeprazole.

Cautions with other medicines

Some medicines and omeprazole can affect each other and make it more likely that you'll have side effects or stop one of the medicines working properly.

Tell your doctor if you're taking these medicines before you start omeprazole treatment:

heart medicines, such as digoxin
cilostazol, a medicine that treats peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
antifungal medicines, such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole and voriconazole
methotrexate, a medicine that treats psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis
HIV medicines
phenytoin, an epilepsy medicine
rifampicin, an antibiotic
clopidogrel and warfarin, medicines to prevent or treat blood clots

These are not all the medicines that may not mix well with omeprazole. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.

Taking omeprazole with painkillers

It is safe to take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen at the same time as omeprazole.

It's best to take ibuprofen with, or just after, a meal so it does not upset your stomach.

Mixing omeprazole with herbal remedies or supplements

Do not take St John's wort, the herbal remedy for depression, while you're taking omeprazole. It may stop omeprazole working as well as it should.

There's not enough information to say that other complementary medicines and herbal remedies are safe to take with omeprazole. They're not tested in the same way as pharmacy and prescription medicines. They're generally not tested for the effect they have on other medicines.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature O: Orthodontics. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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