Horny Goat Weed and Warfarin

A number of medications are known to interact with horny goat weed (Epimedium). There is a theoretical interaction between this supplement and warfarin, an anticoagulant medicine. At this time, it is not known how significant this interaction may be. Many healthcare providers do not recommend combining warfarin and horny goat weed.

Horny Goat Weed Supplement Information

Do Horny Goat Weed and Warfarin Interact?

Horny goat weed (Epimedium) is an herbal supplement generally used for sexual enhancement. Warfarin (Coumadin^®, Jantoven^®) is an anticoagulant medication, commonly known as a "blood thinner." There is a theoretical interaction between horny goat weed and warfarin.

Combining Warfarin and Horny Goat Weed

Theoretically, taking horny goat weed with medications that "thin" the blood may increase the risk of bleeding. At this time, it is not known how significant this interaction may be. Check with your healthcare provider before taking warfarin with horny goat weed. Most likely, your healthcare provider will advise you to avoid taking horny goat weed. If you insist on taking this herbal supplement, your INR (a blood test that measures how well your blood clots) should be checked after starting horny goat weed and any time you change your horny goat weed dosage (or stop taking it). In this situation, it would be best to take horny goat weed regularly; taking it sporadically could cause sporadic problems, making it very difficult for your healthcare provider to monitor you safely.