Question: I have idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), and I am taking fish oil to help lower my cholesterol level. Can this hurt me and even thin out my blood more? I also am taking Res-Q 1250 tablets daily.

Dr. Hibberd's Answer:

Fish oil supplementation is generally safe. If you have ITP, a platelet deficiency disorder, discuss using fish oil with your doctor. Some ITP cases are more severe than others, and patients may not be able to use fish oil product supplementation until their ITP is improved.

Fish oil use does help thin the blood, so those with blood disorders such as those seen with chemotherapy, ITP, leukemia, and immune disorders should discuss their fish oil plans with their doctor first. Res-Q1250 is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and is marketed as pharmaceutical grade. However, product purity is self-monitored and not reviewed by the FDA.

If you wish to use an FDA-approved product for fish oil supplementation, you will need to ask your doctor for a prescription for Lovaza. However, as with all pure products, the price you will pay will be six times more than you now pay if you have no insurance. It may be the same as you now pay if your health plan agrees with your doctor's request for Lovaza.