(Ginkgo biloba) - ORAL

J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center
Patient Education Monograph
IMPORTANT NOTE: THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE FOR, THE
EXPERTISE AND JUDGEMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT
SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR
YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING THIS DRUG.
GINKGO (Ginkgo biloba) - ORAL
USES: Ginkgo has been used for improving blood flow, for improving memory/concentration due to certain brain
problems (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, dementia), and for relief of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), eye problems, and
dizziness.
• Look for ginkgo products that contain standardized gingko leaf extracts. Avoid using products that
contain fresh or roasted gingko seeds. The seeds may contain a toxic chemical. Seizures and death have
occurred in people who ate as few as 10 seeds. The risk is higher in children.
• Some herbal/diet supplement products have been found to contain possibly harmful impurities/additives.
Check with your pharmacist for more details about the brand you use.
• The FDA has not reviewed this product for safety or effectiveness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist
for more details.
HOW TO USE: Take this product by mouth as directed. Follow all directions on the product package. If you are
uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
• Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product for memory loss or brain problems. Your
condition may require medical attention.
• This herbal product should not be used for more than 3 months at a time. Consult your doctor or
pharmacist.
• If your condition persists or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek
immediate medical attention.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the
missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Refer to storage information printed on the package. If you have any questions about storage, ask your
pharmacist. Keep all medications and herbal products away from children and pets.
• Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly
discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist
or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
• Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: easy bleeding/bruising,
fainting, irregular heartbeat, inability to move (paralysis), muscle weakness, restlessness,
seizures, slurred speech, severe headache, weakness on one side of the body, vision problems.
• A very serious allergic reaction to this product is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you
notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of
the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
• This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact
your doctor or pharmacist.
• In the US -
• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-
FDA-1088.
• In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health
Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
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PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have
any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
• If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this
product: bleeding problems, diabetes, seizures.
• Ginkgo may decrease the ability of blood to clot. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist
that you are taking this product. Stop taking this product at least 2 weeks before your surgery unless
otherwise directed by your doctor. Ask your doctor when it is safe to start using this product after your
surgery or procedure.
• Liquid forms of this product may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes,
alcohol dependence, or liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.
• Ginkgo is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this product.
• It is unknown if this product passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal
products you may use, especially of: anti-seizure medications (e.g., carbamazepine, gabapentin, phenytoin),
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, piroxicam), omeprazole, trazodone, medications/herbal
products that may increase your risk of bleeding (e.g., ”blood thinners” such as warfarin and heparin,
anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel and ticlopidine, herbs such as danshen/garlic/ginger).
• Aspirin may also increase the risk of bleeding when used with this product. If your doctor has prescribed
low doses of aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams a day),
you should continue to take the aspirin. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
• Also report the use of drugs that might increase seizure risk when combined with this product such
as isoniazid (INH), phenothiazines (e.g., thioridazine), theophylline, or tricyclic antidepressants (e.g.,
amitriptyline), among others. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.
• Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist
first.
• This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your
doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share
the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
NOTES: Keep all regular medical and laboratory test appointments.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US
residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison
control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: difficulty breathing, seizures, loss of consciousness.
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