devil's claw

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Pronunciation: DEV ils KLAW

What is the most important information I should know about devil's claw?

Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

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 has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating back pain or osteoarthritis pain. Devil's claw is sometimes given together with an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

Other uses not proven with research have included rheumatoid arthritis, muscle pain, gout, skin conditions, migraine headaches, high cholesterol, and stomach problems.

It is not certain whether devil's claw is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Devil's claw should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Devil's claw is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Devil's claw may also have uses other than those listed in this product guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking devil's claw?

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:

  • heart disease;
  • a stomach ulcer;
  • diabetes;
  • a history of gallstones; or
  • high or low blood pressure.

It is not known whether devil's claw will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this product if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether devil's claw passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.

How should I take devil's claw?

When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.

If you choose to use devil's claw, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.

Do not use different forms (tablets, liquid, tincture, teas, etc) of devil's claw at the same time without medical advice. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose.

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with devil's claw does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra devil's claw to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking devil's claw?

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of devil's claw?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although not all side effects are known, devil's claw is thought to be possibly safe when taken in recommended doses for up to 1 year.

Stop using devil's claw and call your healthcare provider at once if you have:

  • a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
  • severe itching, skin rash; or
  • high blood pressure--severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears, anxiety, shortness of breath.

Common side effects may include:

  • diarrhea, stomach pain;
  • nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
  • changes in your menstrual periods;
  • headache, ringing in your ears; or
  • altered sense of taste.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect devil's claw?

Do not take devil's claw without medical advice if you are using a medication to treat any of the following conditions:

  • any type of infection (including HIV, malaria, or tuberculosis);
  • anxiety or depression;
  • asthma or allergies;
  • cancer;
  • erectile dysfunction;
  • heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD);
  • high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a heart condition;
  • migraine headaches;
  • psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders;
  • a psychiatric disorder; or
  • seizures.

Also do not take devil's claw without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:

  • warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven); or
  • an NSAID--aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with devil's claw, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide.

Where can I get more information?

Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2017 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 2.02. Revision date: 10/2/2014.

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