What is the most important information I should know about cranberry?
Cranberry has not been approved by the
FDA to treat any disease, and it should not
be substituted for prescription medications.
Do not take cranberry if you are allergic to it.
Before taking cranberry, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare
provider. You may not be able to use this product if you have ever had a kidney stone or if you
take a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).
Cranberry will not treat bacteria that causes a bladder infection.
Cranberry has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All
potential risks and/or advantages of cranberry may not be known. Additionally, there are no
regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. Some marketed herbal
supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health
supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Stop using cranberry and call your doctor at once if you have any symptoms of a
bladder infection, such as pain or burning when you urinate, blood in your urine, severe
stomach
pain, or urinating less than usual or not at all.
Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, and you may have none at all. Tell your
doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
What is cranberry?
Cranberry is produced from the berry fruit of a North American evergreen shrub.
Cranberry has been used in alternative medicine to prevent bladder symptoms such as
pain or burning with urination. Cranberry will not treat the bacteria that causes a bladder
infection.
Cranberry has also been used to reduce the odor of urine and to improve the quality of life
in people who have urinary incontinence.
Cranberry has not been approved by the FDA to treat any disease, and it should not
be substituted for prescription medications.
Cranberry has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All
potential risks and/or advantages of cranberry may not be known. Additionally, there are no
regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. Some marketed herbal
supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health
supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Cranberry may also have other uses not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cranberry?
Do not take cranberry if you are allergic to it.
Before taking cranberry, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare
provider. You may not be able to use this product if you have ever had a kidney stone.
Do not take cranberry without telling your doctor if you are
pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Cranberry may be harmful to an unborn
baby.
It is not known whether cranberry passes into breast milk or if it could harm a
nursing baby. Do not use this product without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without the advice of a doctor.
Liquid forms of cranberry may contain sugar or alcohol. Talk to your doctor before using
this form of cranberry if you have diabetes or liver disease, or if you otherwise need to avoid
alcohol.
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