I've had IBS for many years. It has been mostly under control since I semi-retired from the real stressful jobs several years ago. I'm sure you know that there are things that you absolutely must not eat (nuts, corn). On occasion I get flare ups that can aggravate my AFIB. The last time I tried something called IBGuard (http://www.ibgard.com). Essentially, its peppermint oil in a time released form. It seemed to help. I tired plain peppermint oil capsules (cheaper), but that repeated on me. Now I'm using Natural Calm (http://naturalvitality.com/natural-calm/. This seems to keep things moving along smoothly, so the IBS isn't a problem.

Now if any of this interacts with Warfarin, I can't say. I take Eliquis and I didn't use the two above mentioned remedies when I was on Warfarin.

Also check with your EP and pharmacist.

I just researched this issue last week, and came up with the following statements, just from a google search. I'm on Eliquis, and the supplement that I was going to take contains pancreatin. I'm going to pass on the supplement. It's tricky, being on a blood thinner!

http://www.clevelandclinicwellness.com/Features/Pages/Digestive-Enzymes.aspx
* *ADVISORY* *
Combining bromelain and papain with blood thinner medicines may further increase the risk of bruising or bleeding. Some of these include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, indomethacin (Indocin), and warfarin (Coumadin). Digestive enzymes should be combined with drugs such as heparin or warfarin (coumadin) only with a doctor's supervision. Some evidence suggests that bromelain may increase the absorption of certain antibiotics, namely amoxicillin and tetracycline. Digestive enzymes may also enhance absorption of sedative medicines such as benzodiazepines, so they should not be mixed with sedatives. There is some evidence that pancreatin may interfere with the absorption of folate, a B vitamin.

http://enzymedica.com/pages/enzyme-faq
Pancreatin is a substance from the pancreas of the hog or ox containing enzymes. Pancreatin contains proteolytic enzymes (enzymes that break down protein), amylase, and lipase. This enzyme has been studied extensively for its anti-inflammatory properties. Pancreatin has been used successfully in Germany for fortifying the pancreas in a molecular way. Since it is a glandular compound it provides the same type of support a thyroid complex provides an individual's thyroid. Dr. Roy Dittinan [I have no idea who he is!] suggests that pancreatic enzymes should not be taken during pregnancy or when using blood thinners.


twodrifters

Hello

Thank you very much for that article, I guess I will just have t struggle on. I have am probiotics so will continue with them and see if they help.
Regards
Shirley

I used to take warfarin and learned the hard way not to take a probiotic while on it. The probiotic will cause your liver to synthesize vitamin K more effectively. Vit. K is the antidote to warfarin. So if you use a probiotic you are negating the effect of the warfarin and your INR will go too low. It has the same effect of eating too many greens, increasing your Vit. K level. You will either have to increase your dose of warfarin or stop the probiotic.
I am on eliquis now. I travel a lot and this is far better as I no longer have to be so concerned about the Vit. K issue and no regular INR measurement is required.