If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use alpha-linolenic acid without first talking to your health care provider.

Blood-thinning Medications -- Omega-3 fatty acids may increase the blood-thinning effects of warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, or other blood-thinning medications, leading to the risk of increased bleeding. They should only be taken together under your doctor's supervision.

Cholesterol-lowering Medications -- Increasing the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet may help a group of cholesterol-lowering medications known as statins work more effectively. Statins include:

• Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
• Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
• Fluvastatin (Lescol)
• Lovastatin (Mevacor)
• Simvastatin (Zocor)
• Pravastatin (Pravachol)