
Q I am currently receiving anti-inflammatory painkillers and joint injections at an orthopedic clinic. Is it okay to take herbal medicine from a Korean medicine clinic?
A Generally, it is permissible to take herbal medicine concurrently with anti-inflammatory painkillers. However, considering the burden on liver function, it is important to inform all attending medical staff of your use. If you have recently received a steroid joint injection, it is common practice to wait 1 to 2 weeks between doses, as the herbal ingredients may affect the injection's effectiveness. There have been no reported direct interactions between hyaluronic acid injections and herbal medicine.
Detailed Answer
Interactions between NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.) and herbal medicine: While some herbal ingredients (such as licorice and honeysuckle) can affect CYP450 enzymes, raising the possibility of theoretical interactions, cases of clinically significant problems are rare. If liver toxicity indicators (AST/ALT) are elevated or there is a history of liver disease, liver function tests should be performed before taking herbal medicine. In an immunosuppressed state following a steroid injection, it is safer to consult with a Korean medicine doctor, as herbal ingredients can have immunomodulatory effects. Hyaluronic acid and PRP injections do not directly conflict with herbal medicine. Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
In Korean medicine, long-term use of anti-inflammatory painkillers is viewed as a tendency to cool gastrointestinal function and slow down the processing of stagnant blood. Herbal medicine is formulated to compensate for these side effects while restoring circulation around the joints. At Dongjedang, we review all medications currently being taken upon the initial visit and safely design treatment plans for oral and procedural therapies while coordinating with external injection schedules. Our goal is to gradually reduce dependence on anti-inflammatory painkillers through combination therapy.
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