Ginkgo has been used for improving blood flow, for
improving memory/concentration due to certain brain problems (such as
Alzheimer's disease, dementia), and for relief of premenstrual syndrome
(PMS), eye problems, and dizziness.
Look for ginkgo products that contain standardized
gingko leaf extracts. Avoid using products that contain fresh or roasted
gingko seeds. The seeds may contain a toxic chemical. Seizures and death
have occurred in people who ate as few as 10 seeds. The risk is higher in
children.
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.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this
product for memory loss or brain problems. Your condition may require
medical attention.
This herbal product should not be used for more than 3
months at a time. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
If your condition lasts or gets worse, or if you think
you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right
away.
Stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, or headache
may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- easy bleeding/bruising
- fainting
- irregular heartbeat
- inability to move (paralysis)
- muscle weakness
- restlessness
- seizures
- trouble speaking
- severe headache
- weakness on one side of the body
- vision problems
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 this product, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; 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:
- bleeding problems
- diabetes
- seizures
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products). Ginkgo may decrease the ability of blood to
clot. Stop taking this product at least 2 weeks before your surgery unless
otherwise directed by your doctor. Ask your doctor when it is safe to start
using this product after your surgery or procedure.
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.
Ginkgo is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
Consult your doctor before using this product.
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.
Some drugs that may interact with this product
are:
- anti-seizure medications (such as gabapentin,
phenytoin)
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs (such as
ibuprofen, naproxen, piroxicam)
- omeprazole
- trazodone
- medications/herbal products that may increase your risk of
bleeding (including "blood thinners" such as warfarin and heparin,
anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel and ticlopidine, herbs such as
danshen/garlic/ginger)
Aspirin may also increase the risk of bleeding when used
with this product. If your doctor has prescribed low doses of aspirin to
prevent heart attack or stroke (usually 81-162 milligrams a day), you
should continue to take the aspirin. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for
more details.
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. Symptoms of overdose may include:
difficulty breathing, seizures, loss of consciousness.
Keep all medical and lab test appointments.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use 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.