case_study
    2010

    Probable interaction between warfarin and bee pollen

    Hurren KM, Lewis CL

    Published in American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy

    Methodology

    Case report of a 71-year-old man on stable warfarin therapy who began taking bee pollen granules one teaspoon twice daily, assessed with the Drug Interaction Probability Scale.

    Key Findings

    INR rose to 7.1 from a therapeutic range of 2.0-3.0 one month after starting bee pollen, and stabilised after an 11% weekly warfarin dose reduction while bee pollen was continued.

    Conclusions

    Bee pollen probably interacts with warfarin and can raise INR, so anticoagulated patients need monitoring.

    Limitations

    Single case report; causality graded as probable rather than definite; confounding by other herbal products cannot be excluded.

    Supplements Studied

    Bee Pollen
    Compound

    Use of the Drug Interaction Probability Scale indicated that the interaction was probable.

    Study Details

    Year:2010
    Sample Size:1
    Quality Score:4/10

    Disclosures

    Funding

    Not reported

    This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.