Ginseng (Eleutherococcus and Panax sp.) – Oral
Medication Uses How To Use Side Effects Precautions Drug Interactions Overdose Notes Missed Dose Storage
USES: Ginseng has been used to improve overall health, strengthen the immune system, and fight stress and diseases. There are different types of ginseng. Asian ginseng (from Chinese and Korean sources) has been used for unclear thinking, diabetes, and male erectile dysfunction. American ginseng has been used for diabetes and prevention of the common cold and flu. Siberian ginseng has been used for preventing colds and flu, and reducing the severity of herpes simplex virus type 2 infections. Do not give ginseng to infants. This product is not recommended for use in children. Some herbal/dietary supplement products may contain 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 TO USE: Take this product by mouth as directed. Follow all directions on the product package. Dosage is based on the condition and type of ginseng. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Since ginseng may cause trouble sleeping, do not take it near bedtime. Ginseng is not recommended for long-term use. Asian ginseng should not be used for more than 3 months at a time, and Siberian ginseng should not be used for more than 2 months at a time. American ginseng has been used for up to 1 month, although certain extract products have been used for up to 4 months. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details about your product and how to use it safely. If your condition persists or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention. SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effect is trouble sleeping. Less common effects include headache, agitation, upset stomach, menstrual problems, breast pain, and dizziness. An increase or decrease in blood pressure may also occur. Siberian ginseng may cause drowsiness, nervousness, or mood changes. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any serious side effects occur, such as fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat. A serious allergic reaction to this product is rare. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information. PRECAUTIONS: Before taking ginseng, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or any other ingredients listed on the product label, or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Avoid taking other types of ginseng if you are allergic to one type. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have high or low blood pressure, heart problems, bleeding/clotting problems, a certain mental/mood disorder, overactive immune system disorders, or conditions affected by estrogen before using this product. Ginseng may lower blood sugar levels too much, especially in people with diabetes. Siberian ginseng may lower or raise blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar carefully while using this product and report any unusual results or symptoms to your doctor. Liquid forms of this product may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Use caution if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease. This product may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. This product is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using it. It is unknown if this product passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before using this product, inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially those that may increase your risk of bleeding, MAO inhibitors, drugs that weaken the immune system, drugs to treat diabetes, "water pills," and other herbal products. Aspirin may also increase the risk of bleeding when used with this product. Caffeine can increase the side effects of this product. Check the labels on all your medicines because they may contain ingredients that could increase the side effects of ginseng. If you are taking Siberian ginseng, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs/other products that cause drowsiness. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine without checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.
QUESTION
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. NOTES: Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments. Different types and quality of ginseng may have different effects. Read the product label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. 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. 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. 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 for more details about how to safely discard your product. Information last revised March 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. NOTES: Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments. Different types and quality of ginseng may have different effects. Read the product label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. 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. 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. 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 for more details about how to safely discard your product. Information last revised March 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.
