Q I'm currently taking oral steroids prescribed by a dermatology clinic. Is it okay to take herbal medicine together?
A There is no need to stop the steroids you are taking abruptly. Taking herbal medicine and conventional medicine about 1 to 2 hours apart reduces mutual interference with absorption. If you tell us your current medications during your visit, we will adjust the herbal formula accordingly.
Detailed Answer
Oral steroids are effective at suppressing the acute-stage immune reaction, but long-term use carries side effects. Herbal medicine generally has little absorption interference when taken 1 to 2 hours apart. However, since some immunosuppressant-class drugs require caution depending on the type, it is safest to tell us in detail about all the medications you are taking at your first visit.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
As treatment progresses and the bald patches stabilize, we work together to taper the steroids down gradually without strain. We safely manage the process by matching the timing of conventional-medicine reduction with the strength of the herbal medicine.
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