Pau d'Arco Precautions and Warnings
Blood-thinning:
Pau d'Arco, when taken internally, can intensify the blood-thinning effect of various anticoagulant medications, which may cause excessive bleeding and other problems. Consult your doctor prior to using Pau d'Arco if you use any such medication or intend to do so. Side effects and interactions may be present with the following drugs, but are not limited to these: dalteparin sodium, enoxaparin sodium injection, and warfarin.
Other drug interactions:
Pau d'Arco may create interactions with various drugs, although there is no known scientific literature to support this possibility. Consult your doctor prior to using Pau d'Arco in conjunction with prescription or OTC (over the counter) drugs.
Miscellaneous interactions:
Pau d'Arco may create interactions with other herbs or supplements. Consult your doctor prior to using Pau d'Arco in conjunction with other herbal treatments or supplements.
Pre-existing conditions:
Pau d'Arco may increase bleeding risk in people with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders. Consult your doctor prior to using Pau d'Arco if you suffer from any such medical condition.
Side effects:
Pau d'Arco may cause upset stomach (nausea). If it does so, you should take it with food. If the upset stomach continues, stop taking Pau d'Arco altogether.
Dosage:
High doses of of Pau d'Arco may cause nausea, vomiting, excessive bleeding, and other serious complications. Seek medical attention immediately if such reactions develop.
Duration of use:
Drink up to one liter daily for as long as six weeks, then take a four-week hiatus prior to resuming another six-week course of Pau d'Arco treatment.
Pregnancy and lactation:
As the risks are unknown, avoid Pau d'Arco if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
Pediatric:
As there are no known scientific reports on the use of Pau d'Arco in pediatrics, this herb is not especially recommended for children.
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