Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment 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.

ST. JOHN'S WORT (Hypericum perforatum) - ORAL

Uses

St John's wort has been used for depression. Some herbal/diet supplement products have been found to contain possibly harmful impurities/additives. Check with your pharmacist for more details regarding the particular 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. Do not exceed the recommended dose for this herbal product. About three weeks of regular use may be needed before beneficial effects are seen. If your condition persists or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.

Side Effects

Unlikely but report to your doctor promptly: increased sun sensitivity. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Since this product may cause sun sensitivity ("sunburn") reactions, use sunscreen and wear protective clothing if you are affected. Limit sun exposure at least until you know how this product affects your skin. Liquid preparations 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 the safe use of this product. St John's wort is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this product. It is not known if St John's wort 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 medications you may use, especially: drugs used to treat HIV infection such as protease inhibitors (e.g., indinavir) and nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI's such as delavirdine, efavirenz, nevirapine), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol), digoxin, cyclosporine, cyclophosphamide, tamoxifen, etoposide, paclitaxel, anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin), diltiazem, nifedipine, tacrolimus, sirolimus, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptlyline). This product may interfere with the effectiveness of certain drugs, including birth control pills. You may need to use other methods of birth control while taking this product. St John's wort may affect the way your liver processes other drugs. Therefore, discuss with your doctor or pharmacist the use of St John's wort in combination with other drugs.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

Check product labeling carefully. St John's wort is Hypericum perforatum and should not be confused with other Hypericum species.

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.