Menopause Support

Generic Name: black cohosh (BLACK KOE hawsh)Brand Names: Menopause Support

What is Menopause Support (black cohosh)?

The use of black cohosh 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.

Black cohosh is also known as Cimicifuga racemosa, baneberry, bugbane, black snake root, rattleroot, bugwort, and richweed.

Black cohosh has been used to ease the symptoms of menopause and menstrual discomfort. Black cohosh has also been used for rheumatism, cough, high cholesterol levels, and hardening of the arteries.

Black cohosh has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of black cohosh 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.

Black cohosh may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Menopause Support (black cohosh)?Do not confuse black cohosh with blue cohosh, a very different herbal supplement with potentially damaging effects on the heart. Do not take black cohosh without first talking to your doctor if you have ever been diagnosed with breast cancer. It is unknown whether black cohosh can stimulate breast cancer cell growth. Do not take black cohosh without first talking to your doctor or health care provider if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether black cohosh will harm an unborn baby. Black cohosh has been reported to cause uterine stimulation, and may induce miscarriage or premature birth in large doses.

Black cohosh has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of black cohosh 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.

Who should not take Menopause Support (black cohosh)?

Before taking black cohosh, 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. Black cohosh may not be recommended in some situations.

Do not take black cohosh without first talking to your doctor if you have ever been diagnosed with breast cancer. It is unknown whether black cohosh can stimulate breast cancer cell growth. Do not take black cohosh without first talking to your doctor or health care provider if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether black cohosh will harm an unborn baby. Black cohosh has been reported to cause uterine stimulation, and may induce miscarriage or premature birth in large doses. Do not take black cohosh without first talking to your doctor or health care provider if you are breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether black cohosh will harm a nursing infant. There is no information available regarding the use of black cohosh by children. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.

How should I take Menopause Support (black cohosh)?

The use of black cohosh 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 black cohosh, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Standardized extracts, tinctures, and solid formulations of herbal/health supplements may provide a more reliable dose of the product.

Take the pill forms of black cohosh with a full glass of water.

To ensure the correct dose, measure the liquid forms of black cohosh with a dropper or a dose-measuring spoon or cup.

Some forms of black cohosh can be brewed to form a tea for drinking.

Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, liquids, teas, and others) of black cohosh at the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of black cohosh. Do not confuse black cohosh with blue cohosh, a very different herbal supplement with potentially damaging effects on the heart.

Store black cohosh as directed on the package. In general, black cohosh should be protected from light and moisture.

What happens if I miss a dose?

No information is available regarding a missed dose of black cohosh. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you require further information.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a black cohosh overdose are not well known but might include nausea, dizziness, seizures, visual disturbances, reduced pulse rate, and increased perspiration.

What should I avoid while taking Menopause Support (black cohosh)?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking black cohosh, unless otherwise directed by your health care provider.

Menopause Support (black cohosh) side effects

Although rare, allergic reactions to black cohosh may occur. Stop taking black cohosh 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.

Large doses of black cohosh have been reported to cause

• nausea,

• dizziness,

• seizures,

• visual disturbances,

• reduced pulse rate, and

• increased sweating.

Stomach upset has been reported as a common side effect with the use of therapeutic doses of black cohosh.

Other side effects may also occur with the use of black cohosh. Tell your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare provider about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

What other drugs will affect Menopause Support (black cohosh)?

Interactions between black cohosh and other prescription or over-the-counter medicines or herbal/health supplements have not been reported. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional before taking black cohosh if you are taking any other medicines or supplements.

Where can I get more information?

• Your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider may have more information about black cohosh.

• Consultation with a licensed health care professional is advisable before using any herbal/health supplement. 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. Remember, keep this and all other prescription drug products, over-the-counter drug products, and herbal/health supplements out of the reach of children.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 1.04. Revision Date: 04/13/2009 2:47:43 PM.