Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking melatonin as follows:
- Individuals with history of organ transplants, usually will be placed on steroids and other immunosuppressant medications, to prevent activation of immune response and consequent organ rejection. Melatonin intake in such individuals can compromise the therapeutic benefit of steroids and other immunosuppressant medications, thus mounting a strong immune response and resulting in organ rejection. Melatonin must be used with extreme caution or avoided in such individuals, to prevent any transplant rejection. While taking melatonin, individuals with history of receiving organ transplant must closely follow for any signs of transplant rejection and report them to the physician, for any appropriate changes to be made in the plan of care.
- Avoid taking melatonin with blood thinners, as melatonin can interact with blood thinners, such as, coumadin and plavix, thus potentiating their effects on blood thinning. This can significantly increase the risk for bleeding. While you are on melatonin, if you are prescribed any blood thinners, double check with your physician regarding your risk for bruising and bleeding. Also, closely observe for findings of internal bleeding, such as, black tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, red colored urine, and frank bleeding per rectum, and report to your doctor immediately, so that, a change in plan could be considered.
