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How should I take feverfew?

The use of feverfew in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

If you choose to take feverfew, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Standardized extracts, tinctures, and solid formulations of herbal/health supplements may provide a more reliable dose of the product.

Different formulations of feverfew are available to be used internally (orally) and externally (topically).

Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, topical formulations, teas, tinctures, and others) of feverfew at the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of feverfew.

Store feverfew as directed on the package. In general, feverfew should be protected from light and moisture and stored in a sealed container.

What happens if I miss a dose?

No information is available regarding a missed dose of feverfew. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you require further information.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a feverfew overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking feverfew?

There are no known restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking feverfew, unless otherwise directed by your health care professional.

What are the possible side effects of feverfew?

Although uncommon, allergic reactions to feverfew have been reported. Stop taking feverfew and seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.

Other less serious side effects have also been infrequently reported. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you experience

• a dry or sore tongue,

• loss of taste,

• an unpleasant or bitter taste in your mouth,

• indigestion,

• flatulence,

• diarrhea, or

• nausea or vomiting.

Nervousness, tension headache, insomnia, stiffness and pain the joints, and tiredness have been reported following the discontinuation of feverfew.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect feverfew?

Do not take feverfew without first talking to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• warfarin (Coumadin);

• aspirin;

• a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, others), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Anaprox, others), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis), indomethacin (Indocin), etodolac (Lodine), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), piroxicam (Feldene), sulindac (Clinoril), tolmetin (Tolectin), and others;

• ardeparin (Normiflo);

• dalteparin (Fragmin);

• danaparoid (Orgaran);

• enoxaparin (Lovenox);

• heparin; or

• other herbs, antioxidants, or health supplements (these may affect blood clotting).

You may not be able to take feverfew, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with feverfew or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines or other herbal/health supplements.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider may have more information about feverfew.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.