What is lysine?
Lysine is an essential amino acid. Essential means that it is not produced by the body and therefore it must be taken in either by diet or by taking supplements. Lysine is found in foods such as yogurt, fish, cheese, brewer's yeast, wheat germ, pork, and other meats. Lysine has been used to treat or prevent herpes infections (genital herpes and cold sores) and canker sores. It has also been used to treat symptoms of Bell's palsy, and to improve calcium use in the body. Lysine has not been approved by the FDA to treat any disease, and it should not be substituted for prescription medications.
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What are the possible side effects of lysine?
Stop taking lysine 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.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist,
or healthcare provider about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
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How should I take lysine?
Lysine has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of this product may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. Some marketed herbal supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination. If you choose to take lysine, use it exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.
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What is the most important information I should know about lysine?
Lysine has not been approved by the FDA to treat any disease, and it should not be substituted for prescription medications. Lysine has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of this product may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. Some marketed herbal supplements have been found to be 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 lysine. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare professional for instructions if you miss a dose.
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What other drugs will affect lysine?
The following drugs may become toxic if you take them together with lysine. Tell your healthcare provider if you are using any of these: gentamicin (Garamycin); tobramycin (Nebcin, TOBI); amikacin (Amikin); kanamycin (Kantrex); netilmicin (Netromycin); neomycin (Mycifradin, Neo-Fradin, Neo-Tab); netilmicin (Netromycin); streptomycin; or tobramycin (Nebcin, Tobi). If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to take lysine, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
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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 lysine without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or
could become pregnant. It is not known whether lysine will be harmful to an unborn baby.
Do not take lysine without telling your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby. It is not known whether lysine will be harmful to a nursing infant.
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What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of lysine is unlikely to threaten life. Call an emergency room or poison control center for advice if you think you have taken too much.
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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking lysine?
Before taking lysine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare provider. You may not be able to use this product if you have liver or kidney disease, or certain other medical conditions or allergies. Do not take lysine without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether lysine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take lysine without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. It is not known whether lysine will be harmful to a nursing infant.
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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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