What is flax?
The use of flax 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. Flax is also known as Linum usitatissimum, flaxseed, linseed, lint bells, linum, and winterlien.
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What are the possible side effects of flax?
Although rare, allergic reactions to flax may occur. Stop taking flax 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 not been reported, although they may occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
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How should I take flax?
The use of flax 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 flax, 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 flax?
Do not take flax internally without first talking to your doctor if you have a narrowing of the esophagus or another stomach area, an intestinal obstruction, or other stomach or intestinal problems. Since flax swells in the stomach, it may be dangerous if used by people with certain intestinal problems. Do not take flax internally without first talking to your doctor if you have prostate problems or difficulty with urination. Flax has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of flax 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 flax. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you require further information.
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What other drugs will affect flax?
Do not take any other medication at the same time as flax without first talking to your doctor or health care provider. Flax may decrease the absorption of other drugs when taken together. Interactions between flax and other prescription or over-the-counter medicines or herbal/health supplements may also occur. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional before taking flax if you are taking any other medicines or supplements.
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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 flax without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or
could become pregnant. It is not known whether flax will harm an unborn baby.
Do not take flax without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether flax will harm a nursing infant.
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What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a flax overdose are not known.
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Who should not take flax?
Do not take flax internally without first talking to your doctor if you have a narrowing of the esophagus or another stomach area, an intestinal obstruction, or other stomach or intestinal problems. Since flax swells in the stomach, it may be dangerous if used by people with certain intestinal problems. Do not take flax internally without first talking to your doctor if you have prostate problems or difficulty with urination. Before taking flax, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have allergies (especially to plants), have any medical condition, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Flax 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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