chaparral

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Pronunciation: SHA pa RAL

What is the most important information I should know about chaparral?

Chaparral is considered unsafe due to reports of kidney or liver damage, or serious poisoning.

You should not use this product if you have liver or kidney disease.

What is chaparral?

Chaparral is a plant also known as Creosote Bush, Créosotier, Greasewood, Hediondilla, Jarilla, and Larreastat.

Chaparral has been used in alternative medicine as an aid in treating colds, skin disorders, cancer, arthritis, sexually transmitted diseases, tuberculosis, stomach cramps, gas, weight loss, bladder infection, or chickenpox. Chaparral has not been proven with research to be effective in treating these conditions.

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

Chaparral 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.

Chaparral is considered unsafe due to reports of kidney or liver damage, or serious poisoning from the use of this product.

Chaparral may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking chaparral?

You should not use this product if you are allergic to chaparral or if you have:

  • liver disease; or
  • kidney disease.

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

Chaparral may harm an unborn baby. Do not use this product if you are pregnant.

Chaparral may pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using chaparral.

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

How should I take chaparral?

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 chaparral, 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 chaparral at the same time without medical advice. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose.

Do not take topical (for the skin) chaparral by mouth. Topical forms of this product are for use only on the skin.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using chaparral.

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 chaparral 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 chaparral?

Avoid taking chaparral with other herbal products that may harm your liver. This includes bishop's weed, borage, uva ursi, and others.

What are the possible side effects of chaparral?

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.

Stop using chaparral and call your healthcare provider at once if you have:

  • liver problems --nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
  • signs of a kidney problem --little or no urinating; painful or difficult urination; swelling in your feet or ankles; feeling tired or short of breath.

Common side effects may include:

  • nausea, stomach pain;
  • diarrhea, weight loss;
  • fever;
  • itching or rash (when used on the skin); or
  • abnormal liver function tests.

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 chaparral?

Do not take chaparral without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications that can be harmful to your liver:

  • acetaminophen (Tylenol);
  • leflunomide, teriflunomide;
  • methotrexate;
  • an antibiotic, antifungal medicine, sulfa drug, or tuberculosis medicine;
  • birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy;
  • cholesterol-lowering medications--Crestor, Lipitor, Pravachol, Simcor, Vytorin, Zocor, and others;
  • gout or arthritis medications (including gold injections);
  • HIV/AIDS medications;
  • medicines to treat mental illness;
  • an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug)--ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, others;
  • seizure medication--carbamazepine, phenytoin, and others; or
  • steroids (prednisone and others).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with chaparral, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication 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.

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