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What is dong quai?
The use of dong quai 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. Dong quai is also known as Angelica polymorpha, tang-kuei, dang-gui, and Chinese angelica.

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What are the possible side effects of dong quai?

Stop taking dong quai and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following rare, but possibly serious, side effects:

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

• unusual bleeding or bruising;

• a rash or a sunburn; or

• changes in skin color or moles.

Other less serious side effects have not been reported with the use of dong quai, although they may occur. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

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How should I take dong quai?
The use of dong quai 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 dong quai, 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 dong quai?
Avoid excessive or prolonged exposure to sunlight while taking dong quai. Dong quai may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing if sun exposure is unavoidable. Do not take dong quai without first talking to your doctor if you have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; if you are taking a medicine to prevent blood clots; or if you are taking other medications, herbs, antioxidants, or health supplements (these may also affect blood clotting). Dong quai may affect the time it takes for your blood to clot.

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

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What other drugs will affect dong quai?
Do not take dong quai 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);

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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 dong quai without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. It is not known whether dong quai will harm an unborn baby.

Do not take dong quai without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. It is not known whether dong quai will harm a nursing infant.

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What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a dong quai overdose are not known.

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Who should not take dong quai?
Do not take dong quai without first talking to your doctor if you have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; if you are taking a medicine to prevent blood clots; or if you are taking other medications, herbs, antioxidants, or health supplements (these may also affect blood clotting). Dong quai may affect the time it takes for your blood to clot. Before taking dong quai, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have any other medical conditions, allergies (especially to plants), or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Dong quai may not be recommended in some situations.

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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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