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If you wish to purchase black cohosh,
please read this page first before going to the link below.
Nutri
Black Cohosh Formula - With Dong Quai & Rehmannia
A Press Release issued on 18th July 2006
by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has
highlighted a link between black cohosh and the risk of liver disorders.
Black cohosh (cimicifuga racemosa),
a relative of the buttercup, has been used for many years in Europe
to treat menopausal symptoms and is widely available in the UK. Since
the hormone replacement therapy scares three years ago, use of products
containing black cohosh has risen dramatically, with an estimated nine
million doses taken every day by women seeking to relieve hot flushes
and other menopausal symptoms such as night sweats, joint aches, headaches,
insomnia and palpitations.
In Britain a total of only 31 cases
of suspected liver problems have been reported, ranging from hepatitis
(liver inflammation) to one case of liver failure.
This link has been confirmed by the
Commission on Human Medicines and the Herbal Medicines Advisory Committee.
Both committees have reviewed all available data and concluded that
the data underlines an association between black cohosh and risk of
liver disorders.
Professor Philip Routledge, Chair of
the Herbal Medicines Advisory Committee, emphasised:
“After reviewing all available
data, the Herbal Medicines Advisory Committee has come to the conclusion
that black cohosh may be associated with liver disorders. This is rare,
but can be serious.”
Following advice from both committees,
warnings are now to be added to the labels of black cohosh products
and the MHRA is working with the herbal sector to ensure the public
is fully informed about this potential risk.
Anyone who has previously experienced
any liver complaint or any other serious health complaint is advised
not to take Black cohosh without speaking to their doctor first. It
is important to always discuss all of the medication you are taking,
including herbal products, with your doctor or herbal practitioner to
ensure you receive the appropriate care.
A spokesman for the MHRA said:
"We are not telling people to stop taking it but if they have any symptoms
they should stop and see their doctors straight away."
There are many signs and symptoms of
liver disease. Symptoms of liver problems include pain on the right
side of the stomach just below the ribs, unexplained nausea (feeling
sick), “flu-like” symptoms, dark urine and yellowing of eyes or skin
(jaundice).
Editor's Note: There are many
causes of liver disease, including among others alcohol, numerous pharmaceutical
drugs (for example paxil and prozac), and pesticides.
Also see:
Liver
Health and Detoxification
BBlack
cohosh (cimicifuga racemosa) - Risk of liver problems
Questions and Answers
What is Black cohosh (cimicifuga
racemosa)?
Black cohosh is a herbal medicine that
has traditionally been used for the relief of joint aches, muscle pain
and neuralgia. Modern day use of black cohosh is most commonly for treating
menopausal symptoms (such as hot flushes, night sweats, joint aches,
headaches, insomnia, palpitations).
What is the current safety issue?
The current concerns arise from reports
of liver problems associated with black cohosh. The Commission on Human
Medicines and the Herbal Medicines Advisory Committee, having reviewed
the available data on liver reactions with black cohosh, have advised
that these data support a causal association between black cohosh and
the risk of liver disorders.
Upon their advice warnings are being
added to the labels for all black cohosh products and the Medicines
and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is working with the relevant
Marketing Authorisation holders and the herbal sector to ensure people
are fully informed about this potential risk.
How many individuals in the UK are
taking black cohosh (cimicifuga racemosa)?
It is unclear exactly how many individuals
in the UK may be taking black cohosh. It was estimated that in 2004
a total of 9 million treatment days were purchased in 2004.
How many reports of liver problems
have been received through the Yellow Card scheme?
Up to 31st May 2006, a total of 31
reports of suspected adverse reactions associated with black cohosh
have been received through the Yellow Card Scheme. Of these 22 have
been reports of liver reactions - ranging in severity from abnormal
liver function (15 people) to various forms of hepatitis (6 people)
including one case of hepatic failure. Generally the individuals recovered
or were recovering after stopping black cohosh.
What should I do if I am taking
black cohosh (cimicifuga racemosa)?
Individuals taking black cohosh who
are feeling well need not take any action. Anyone treated with black
cohosh who is concerned or unwell should see their doctor. Symptoms
of liver problems include pain on the right side of the stomach just
below the ribs, unexplained nausea (feeling sick), "flue-like" symptoms,
unusual tiredness, dark urine and yellowing of eyes or skin (jaundice).
I am about to start taking black
cohosh (cimicifuga racemosa); is there anything else I need to know?
Anyone who has previously experienced
any liver complaint or any other serious health complaint is advised
not to take black cohosh without first talking to their doctor.
What is being done to investigate
the safety of black cohosh (cimicifuga racemosa)?
The CHM, HMAC and MHRA are keeping
the safety of black cohosh under close review and any new information
will be evaluated and, if necessary, new guidance will be issued.
These Questions and Answers are from
the MHRA website.
If you wish to purchase black cohosh,
please print this page first. Black Cohosh is available from this link:
Nutri
Black Cohosh Formula - With Dong Quai & Rehmannia
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