• Basic Info
• Top Questions
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What is creatine?
The use of creatine in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal/health 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. Creatine is produced naturally in the kidney, liver, and pancreas of humans. Creatine is also supplied in meat and fish. Most creatine in the body is stored in the muscles, in the form of phosphocreatine. Creatine is a quickly available source of energy for muscle contraction. Creatine is also involved in muscle growth.

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What are the possible side effects of creatine?

Although uncommon, serious side effects have been reported with the use of creatine. Stop taking creatine and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately if you experience:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or

• symptoms of kidney problems such as decreased or little urine.

Other less serious side effects of creatine have not been reported. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you experience any side effects from creatine.

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How should I take creatine?
The use of creatine in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal/health 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 creatine, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

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What is the most important information I should know about creatine?
Drink plenty of fluid while taking creatine. Although it has not been proven, dehydration, heat-related illnesses, muscle cramps, reduced blood volume, and electrolyte imbalances are expected to be more likely to occur while taking creatine. Creatine has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of creatine may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

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What happens if I miss a dose?
No information is available regarding a missed dose of creatine. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you require further information.

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What other drugs will affect creatine?
Interactions between creatine and other prescription or over-the-counter medicines or herbal/health supplements have not been reported. Theoretically, creatine and other medicines that affect the kidneys may interact. Before taking creatine, talk to your doctor if you are taking: a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), diflunisal (Dolobid), etodolac (Lodine), fenoprofen (Nalfon), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, others), indomethacin (Indocin), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), ketorolac (Toradol), nabumetone (Relafen), naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn, Naprelan, others), oxaprozin (Daypro), piroxicam (Feldene), sulindac (Clinoril), tolmetin (Tolectin), and others;

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Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?

Do not take creatine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant.

Do not take creatine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a creatine overdose are not known. It is cautioned that long-term use of creatine may cause kidney damage.

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Who should not take creatine?
Before taking creatine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have any other medical conditions, allergies, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Creatine may not be recommended in some situations. Do not take creatine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. Do not take creatine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. There is no information available regarding the use of creatine by children. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.

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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.

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