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Monday 22 October 2012

Prostasan Saw Palmetto Capsules by A.Vogel

Healthspan Ltd complained to the MHRA about an E-mail advertising Prostasan produced by A.Vogel and sent to consumers in June 2012. The complainant was concerned that the E-mail made claims for efficacy for Prostasan and promoted it for a use outside of its licensed indication as a traditional herbal remedy.


Saturday 6 October 2012

Herbal Medicines and Warfarin

Herbal products can be sold without evidence that they produce the desired clinical results.

While herbal products can provide benefits, there are many that do not work well with warfarin. Some herbs may put you at higher risk for bleeding complications, and some may make you more prone to developing clots.

Safety 
Herbal products may cause adverse reactions, just like traditional medicines can. The short- and long-term effects of herbal products have not been studied. The safety of these products for children, pregnant women, the elderly, and other special populations is not 
known. Those who have allergies, especially to plants or pollen, should use caution when using any herbal medicine. 


Herbal Products and Warfarin
Herbal products, just like many foods and drugs, may interact with warfarin. Many herbals contain substances that are similar to warfarin and may put you at a higher risk for bleeding complications. There are also herbal products that work against the actions of warfarin and can make you more prone to developing clots. 

Talk with your pharmacist about any herbal products you are thinking about taking while you are on warfarin to make sure you are not putting your health at risk. The tables below lists some common herbs that can either increase your risk of bleeding or increase your risk of forming blood clots. These herbs should not be taken while you are on warfarin. 

Signs of Bleeding Complications
  • Unusual bleeding from gums
  • Prolonged nose bleeds
  • Red or dark urine
  • Bruises that do not go away
  • Coughing up,  vomiting, or spitting up blood

Warning Signs of Blood Clots 


  • Sudden  numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
  • Sudden confusion
  • Trouble speaking or understanding
  • Sudden trouble in seeing in one or both eyes
  • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
  • Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Herbs That Can Increase Risk Of Bleeding
Agrimony
Dandelion
Onion
Alfalfa
Danshen
Papain
Aniseed
Dihydroepiandrosterone
Parsley
Arnica flower
Dong quia
Passionflower
Artemesia
Fenugreek
Prickly Ash
Asafoetica
Feverfew
Poplar
Bochu
Fish oil
Quassia
Bogbean
Garlic
Red clover
Bromelains
Ginger
Sweet clover
Capsicum
Gingko
Sweet woodruff
Cassio
Horse chestnut
Tonka beans
Celery seed
Horseradish
Tumeric
Chamomile
Licorice
Wild carrot
Chinese wolfberry
Meadowsweet
Wild lettuce
Clove
Melilot
Willow

Herbs That Can Increase Risk Of Blood Clots
Coenzyme
Goldenseal
St. John’s wort
Ginseng
Green tea
Yarrow