Gamma linolenic acid

GLA/Drug Interactions:

  • Anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugsAnticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs: May compound the natural effect of GLA and could cause excess bleeding or bruising (21). These drugs include: aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix?), NSAIDs, ibuprofen, naproxen, dalteparin, enoxaparin, heparin, and warfarin (Coumadin?).
  • CeftazidimeCeftazidime: Theoretically, GLA may increase the effectiveness of ceftazidime, an antibiotic in a class known as cephalosporins, against a variety of bacterial infections (35). It is unknown whether effectiveness of other cephalosporin antibiotics are likewise affected.
  • ChemotherapyChemotherapy: GLA may increase the effects of anti-cancer treatments, such as doxorubicin, cisplatin, carboplatin, docetaxil, epirubicin, idarubicin, mitoxantrone, paclitaxel, tamoxifen, vincristine, vinblastine and vinorelbine (17). GLA may decrease the effects of cisplastin and carboplatin.
  • CyclosporineCyclosporine: Theoretically, taking omega-6 fatty acids, such as GLA, during therapy with cyclosporine, a medication used to suppress the immune system after an organ transplant, for example, may increase the immunosuppressive effects of cyclosporine and may protect against kidney damage associated with cyclosporine (36;37).
  • PhenothiazinesPhenothiazines: Individuals taking phenothiazines (such as chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, perphenazine, promazine, and thioridazine) to treat schizophrenia should not take evening primrose oil, a source of GLA, because it may interact with these medications and increase the risk of seizures (38). Theoretically, the same may be true for other GLA containing supplements.

    • GLA/Herb/Supplement Interactions:

  • AnticoagulantsAnticoagulants: Use with herbs containing coumarin, which affects platelet aggregation, could increase the risk of bleeding (21).
  • Antioxidants (CoQ10, vitamin E)Antioxidants (CoQ10, vitamin E): In cancer cells in vitro, coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E reversed the inhibition of cell growth associated with GLA (39;40;41). Thus, nutritional antioxidants may inhibit certain effects associated with GLA.

    • GLA/Food Interactions:

  • Insufficient available evidence.

    • GLA/Lab Interactions:

  • Coagulation assaysCoagulation assays: Gamma linolenic acid's inhibitory effects on platelet aggregation will prolong bleeding time and lab assay results (21).
  • Lipid panelLipid panel: GLA could also decrease plasma triglycerides and raise HDL cholesterol levels (21).