What is Devil's claw?
Devil's claw is an herb also known as Garra del Diablo, Grapple Plant, Griffe du Diable, Harpagophyti Radix, Harpagophytum, Harpagophytum procumbens, Harpagophytum zeyheri, Racine de Griffe du Diable, Racine de Windhoek, Teufelskrallenwurzel, Uncaria procumbens, or Wood Spider. Devil's Claw is used as an alternative remedy for back pain and arthritis. Devil's Claw is often given with NSAIDs (nonsteroidal pain relievers) like aspirin (Advil), ibuprofen, naproxen, Diclofenac, and Indomethacin. Some other uses that have not been proven by research include rheumatoid arthritis, muscular pain, gout, and skin problems. There is no way to know if the devil's paw is effective for treating medical conditions. The FDA has not approved the use of devil's claw for medical purposes. Devil's Claw should never be substituted for medication that you have been prescribed by your physician. Devil's claw can be sold as an herbal supplement. Many herbal supplements are not manufactured to a standard and have even been found to be contaminated by toxic metals or drugs. To minimize contamination, herbal or health supplements must be bought from a reputable source. Devil's claw can be used for other purposes than those mentioned in the product guide.
Side effects of Devil's claw
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic response, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue. While not all possible side effects have been identified, it is believed that devil's paw may be safe when taken at recommended dosages for a maximum of 1 year.
If you suffer from:
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Itching skin, severe
- High blood pressure: severe migraine, blurred or distorted vision, pain in the neck, ears, and head, and shortness of breath.
Some of the common side effects associated with devil's paw include:
- Diarrhea, stomach pain;
- Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
- Changes in menstrual cycles;
- Headache with ringing ears
- Changes in taste
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Please read all instructions on product labels and packaging. Inform your doctors about your allergies and medical conditions. Also, tell them which medicines you are using.
Before you take this drug
If you are suffering from:
- Heart disease
- An ulcer of the stomach
- Diabetes;
- A history of gallstones
- High or low blood pressure.
The devil's paw is unknown enough to cause harm to an unborn child. Avoid using this product while pregnant. There is no way to know if the devil's paw passes through breast milk or if a baby nursing on it would be harmed. Avoid using this product while breastfeeding a child. Don't give herbal supplements or health products to children without consulting a doctor.
How to take Devil's Claw?
Consult your physician before using herbal supplements. Consult a health practitioner trained to use herbal supplements. Use the devil's paw as instructed on the packaging or by your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Use only the recommended amount of devil's claw. Use different devil's-claw forms at once only if you have medical guidance. Combining different formulations increases the chance of overdosing. If the condition that you're treating with Devil's Claw does not improve or worsens while using it, call your doctor. Keep away from heat, moisture, and light.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose. Don't use more devil’s claw to compensate for the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor has prescribed any restrictions on foods, drinks, or activities, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
You should not use the devil's paw without consulting your doctor if you have any of these conditions.
- Any type of infection, including HIV, malaria, or tuberculosis;
- Anxiety or depression
- Asthma or allergy?
- Cancer;
- Erectile dysfunction;
- Heartburn (GERD) or gastroesophageal reflux disease
- High blood pressure or high cholesterol;
- Migraine headaches
- Autoimmune disorders include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and other diseases.
- A psychiatric condition;
Do not use the devil's paw without consulting your doctor if you take any of these medications.
- Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);
- An NSAID is aspirin (Advil or Motrin), ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib (Aleve), diclofenac (indomethacin), meloxicam, and other nsaids.
The list below is not exhaustive. There are other drugs that may also interact with Devil's Claw, such as prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, or other products. This product guide does not list all interactions.
