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Evening Primrose

Generic names: evening Primrose [Eve-ning Primrose]

Brand name: Primrose Oil
Dosage form: oral capsule (-)
Drug class: herbal products

What is Evening Primrose?

Evening Primrose (Oenothera speciosa) is an herbaceous perennial plant commonly referred to by its many names: Primrose Seed Oil, Aceite de Onagra, Acide Cis-Linoleique or Cis-Linoleic Acid; EPO or Fever Plant and other names like Herbe-aux-anes Huile de Graines D'Onagre or Huile D'Onagre and Huile D'Onagre are some examples., Huile de Primevere Vesperale, Jambon de Jardinier, Jambon du Paysan, King's Cure All, Mache Rouge, Night Willow Herb, Oenothera biennis, Oenothera muricata, Oenothera purpurata, Oenothera rubricaulis, Oenothera suaveolens, Onagra biennis, Onagraire, Onagre Bisannuelle, Onagre Commune, Primevere du Soir, Scabish, Sun Drop, and other namesAlternative medicine has used evening primrose as a possible effective aid to treat nerve damage caused by diabetes and osteoporosis.Evening primrose is also used to treat psoriasis, skin and joint symptoms, hepatitis B, and eczema. It can also be used for menopausal night sweats and hot flashes. Evening primrose is not effective for treating these conditions, according to research.

The preparations for these conditions may contain extracts or other plants in addition to evening primrose.Research has not proved that other uses can be made of it. These include chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), dyslexia, coordination problems, dry eye, diaper rash, and other skin conditions, as well as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and ulcerative colitis.Evening primrose may not be effective for treating medical conditions. The FDA has not approved the use of this product for medical purposes. Evening primrose is not to be substituted for medication prescribed by your doctor.Evening primrose can be purchased as an herbal supplement. Many herbal compounds are not manufactured to regulated standards, and some supplements on the market have been found to be contaminated with toxic drugs or metals. To minimize the risk, herbal or health supplements must be purchased from a reputable source.This product guide does not list all possible uses for evening primrose.

Side effects of Evening primrose

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.Even though not all side effects are known, it is believed that evening primrose will be safe for the majority of people who use it for up to one year.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using evening primrose immediately and contact your doctor.

  • Easy bruising and bleeding
  • Bleeding that won't stop.

Evening primrose side effects may include:

  • Upset stomach;
  • Nausea;
  • Diarrhea;

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contact the FDA by dialing 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report side effects.

Warnings

Please read all instructions on the label or package of your product. Inform your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, your allergies, and the medicines you are using.

Before you take this drug

This product should not be used if:

  • A bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
  • If you are pregnant.

If you are suffering from:

  • Epilepsy or a seizure disorder;

It is unlikely to be safe for use during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, do not use this product unless you have been advised by your doctor.Evening primrose has been deemed potentially safe for use during breastfeeding.If you are breastfeeding a child, do not use this product.Don't give herbal or health supplements to children without consulting a doctor.

How to take Evening Primrose?

Consult your doctor before using herbal supplements. Consult a health practitioner trained in herbal or health supplement use.Use evening primrose as directed on the packaging or by your doctor, pharmacy, or other healthcare provider. Use only the recommended amount of product.Use different formulations of evening primrose (e.g., tablets, liquids, and others) at the same time only if a healthcare professional has specifically instructed you to do so. Combining different formulations increases the risk of a nighttime primrose overdose.If the condition that you are trying to treat with evening primrose doesn't improve or worsens, call your doctor.Evening primrose may affect blood clotting, increasing your risk of bleeding. Stop taking evening primrose 2 weeks before you have surgery or dental work.Store products away from heat and moisture at room temperature.

What happens if I miss the dose?

If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose. You should not use additional evening primrose to compensate for a 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 regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.Avoid taking evening primrose with herbal or health supplements, which can also cause blood clotting. Angelica (dong-quai), clove, garlic, ginger, and ginkgo are all examples.

Interaction with other drug

You should not take evening primrose unless you have been advised by your doctor if you use any of the medications listed below:

  • A blood thinner (Warfarin Coumadin Jantoven);
  • Medicine to treat mental illness
  • Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac, and Indomethacin are all NSAIDs.

This list is incomplete. Evening primrose may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This product guide does not list all possible interactions.