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What is green tea?
The use of green tea 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. Green tea is also known as Camellia sinensis. Green tea has been used for stomach disorders, vomiting, diarrhea, to prevent dental cavities, to lower cholesterol levels, as an antioxidant, to reduce cancer, and as a stimulant.

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What are the possible side effects of green tea?

Although rare, allergic reactions to green tea may occur. Stop taking green tea 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.

Heavy and prolonged consumption of green tea may be associated with esophageal cancer.

Other less serious side effects have also been reported with the use of green tea. Talk to your doctor or health care provider if you experience

• heartburn;

• upset stomach;

• loss of appetite;

• constipation or diarrhea;

• nervousness, irritability, or anxiety;

• sleeplessness;

• irregular heartbeats; or

• headache.

Side effects other than those listed here may also 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 green tea?
The use of green tea 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 green tea, 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 green tea?
Green tea has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of green tea 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 green tea. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you require further information.

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What other drugs will affect green tea?
Do not use green tea without first talking to your doctor if you are taking a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin). Interactions between green tea 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 green tea 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 green tea without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. Green tea contains a large amount of caffeine.

Do not take green tea without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Green tea contains a large amount of caffeine, which may cause restlessness, sleep disorders, and other effects in breast-feeding infants.

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What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a green tea overdose are not well known but might include restlessness, tremor, vomiting, and abdominal spasms.

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What should I discuss with my health care provider before using green tea?
Do not use green tea without first talking to your doctor if you have heart problems or high blood pressure, kidney disease, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), an anxiety or nervous disorder, or a bleeding or blood clotting disorder or if you take a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin). Green tea contains a large amount of caffeine and may be problematic if used by people with any of the conditions listed above. You may not be able to use green tea, or your doctor or health care provider may recommend a lower dose or special monitoring.

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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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