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.
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Overview | Photos | How
To Use | Side
Effects | Precautions | Missed
Dose | Drug
Interactions | |
Echinacea
Uses
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. Notes
- Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments.
Storage
- 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.
How
To Use - Take this product by mouth as directed.
- Follow all directions on the product package.
- If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult 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 persists or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.
Side
Effects - Nausea, numbness/tingling of the lips/tongue, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth may occur.
- If these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor.A very serious allergic reaction to this product is rare.
- Your risk of an allergic reaction is higher if you have asthma, frequent allergic reactions/skin rashes, or hay fever.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- 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.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.
- Use caution while driving, using machinery, or taking part in any activity that requires alertness.
- (See also Drug Interactions section.) Limit alcoholic beverages.During pregnancy, this product should be used only when clearly needed.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known whether this product passes into breast milk.
- Breast-feeding while using this product is not recommended.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed
Dose - 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 and resume your usual dosing schedule.
- Do not double the dose to catch up.
Drug
Interactions - Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially of: drugs that affect the immune system (e.g., azathioprine, cyclosporine, sirolimus, tacrolimus), corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone, prednisone).If your product contains alcohol, do not use it in combination with metronidazole or disulfiram.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.
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CONDITIONS
OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information
is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions
or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular
drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional
should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or
discontinuing any course of treatment. |