Echinacea
What is ECHINACEA?
(ECHINACEA) Echinacea has been used for virus infections such as the common cold and flu. It is used to strengthen the immune system. It has also been used for returning vaginal fungal infections ("yeast infections") along with antifungal products applied to the vaginal area. Some herbal/diet supplement products have been found to contain possibly harmful impurities/additives. Check with your pharmacist for more details about the brand you use. The FDA has not reviewed this product for safety or effectiveness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
How should I use ECHINACEA?
Take this product by mouth as directed. Follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Prolonged use may lessen the effects of this product. It is recommended that this product be used for no more than 8 weeks at a time. If your condition lasts or gets worse, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take ECHINACEA?
Before taking echinacea, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to plants in the Asteraceae/daisy family such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product: asthma, cancer, immune system problems (autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus), infection with HIV or tuberculosis, organ transplant. Liquid forms of this product may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely. If there is alcohol in this product, it may make you dizzy or drowsy. Marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). During pregnancy, this product should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this product passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
What may interact with ECHINACEA?
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. This product may increase the effect of caffeine. Avoid drinking large amounts of beverages containing caffeine (coffee, tea, certain sodas) or eating large amounts of chocolate.
What if I miss a dose of ECHINACEA?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
What side effects may I notice from receiving ECHINACEA?
Nausea, numbness/tingling of the lips/tongue, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth may occur. If these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor. A very serious allergic reaction to this product is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Where should I keep ECHINACEA?
Refer to storage information printed on the package. If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications and herbal products away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.