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 that have not been proven through research include 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. The FDA has not approved the medicinal use of this product. Devil's claw should not be used instead of medication prescribed by your doctor.

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

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

When thinking about using herbal supplements, ask your doctor for advice. You might also want to talk to a practitioner who knows about herbal/health supplements.

If you decide to use devil's claw, follow the instructions on the package or those given by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than what is suggested 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 types together can increase the risk of an overdose.

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

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

Follow all instructions on the product label and package. Inform all of your healthcare providers about any medical conditions, allergies, and all medications you are taking.

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.

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 of devil's claw 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.

Skip the missed dose if it is close to the time for your next dose. Do not use extra devil's claw to compensate for the missed dose.

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

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

Do not take devil's claw without talking to your doctor 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 talking to your doctor 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.