L-Carnitine - any down side for a senior woman taking it?

[No Vested Interest]

Heart failure patient - don't want anything with blood thinning properties.

[hlthe2b]

1. If you are on warfarin or other blood thinners L-carnitine IS contraindicated (additive effects)

[No Vested Interest]

3. Taking Eliquis 2 x day - morning & night.

That's why I asked first - not looking for any problems.

[Warpy]

7. Eliquis has a list of drug interactions as long as your arm

but L-carnitine doesn't seem to be among them. Still, it would be wise to call your doctor or ask your pharmacist about this.

L-carnitine does have an additive effect to warfarin (Coumadin) and dicurmarol (USAN), so don't take it if you're on either of those.

The literature around L-carnitine has too many weasel words* in it for my taste, but if your doc/pharmy gives you the OK, it is unlikely to hurt you, it's naturally occurring in small amounts in meat and fish and is made in our own brains, livers, and kidneys.

*could, might, can, may, should...you get the picture. I always say if there is little chance it will hurt you, it's worth a try. Just find out first, and not from people online.

[No Vested Interest]

8. Thanks, Warpy; sounds like good advice.

I'm always looking to up the health aspect, but don't want to take unnecessary risks in doing so.

[Quakerfriend]

2. Only thing is- I would rec'd taking with food-

If taken on an empty stomach it can cause hypoglycemic reaction.

[No Vested Interest]

4. Yes, I read that it should be taken early in morning.

I guess with breakfast.

[JohnSJ]

5. Ask your Doctor

[No Vested Interest]

6. You're correct, John, of course, though my very good cardiologist isn't as well-versed

on supplements as he is on stents and procedures, etc.
I'm thinking a good dietician might be more specific in knowledge of supplements and vitamins re various ailments.