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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Keep all medical and lab appointments.
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.
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.