Dong quai

Dong quai is a plant also known as Angelica China, Angelica sinensis, Angelicae Gigantis Radix, Angélique Chinoise, Angélique de Chine, Chinese Angelica, Dang Gui, Danggui, Danguia, Kinesisk Kvan, Ligustilides, Radix Angelicae Gigantis, Radix Angelicae Sinensis, Tang Kuei, Tan Kue Bai Zhi, Tanggwi, or Toki.

Dong quai has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating premature ejaculation when it is combined with other ingredients and applied to the outer skin of the penis before sexual intercourse. Dong quai may have been combined with other plants or extracts in a specific preparation to treat this condition.

Dong quai has also been used to treat menopause symptoms. However, research has shown that dong quai may not be effective in treating this condition.

Other uses not proven with research have included constipation, psoriasis, anemia, ulcers, joint pain, and high blood pressure.

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

Dong quai 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.

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

When thinking about using herbal supplements, talk to your doctor. You may also want to consult a practitioner who is trained in herbal/health supplements.

If you decide to use dong quai, 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 recommended on the label.

If you use a product with dong quai to prevent premature ejaculation, apply it only to the outer skin of the tip of your penis. People who have used dong quai for this purpose typically apply the product 1 hour before sexual activity and wash it off just before intercourse.

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

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

Dong quai can affect blood-clotting and may increase your risk of bleeding. If you need surgery, dental work, or a medical procedure, stop taking dong quai at least 2 weeks beforehand.

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with dong quai does not improve or if it gets worse while using this product.

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

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

Dong quai contains substances that may cause cancer.

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

• past or present cancer of the breast, ovary, or uterus;
• a history of endometriosis or uterine fibroids; or
• protein S deficiency.

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to take dong quai by mouth or use it on the skin if you have:

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia.

It is not known whether dong quai will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this product if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether dong quai 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 products 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.

Stop using dong quai and call your healthcare provider right away if you have severe burning, redness, pain, or swelling after using it on your skin.

Although not all side effects are known, dong quai is thought to be possibly safe when used occasionally on the skin.

Stop using dong quai and call your healthcare provider right away if you have:

• easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may happen. 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 scheduled dose. Do not use extra dong quai to replace the missed dose.

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

Do not continue using topical dong quai if you or your sexual partner have severe genital irritation during or after sexual intercourse.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Dong quai can make your skin more sensitive to the sun or increase your risk of skin cancer. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Do not use dong quai together with other herbal/health supplements that can also affect blood-clotting. This includes capsicum, clove, danshen, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, horse chestnut, panax ginseng, poplar, red clover, turmeric, and willow.

Do not take dong quai without talking to your doctor if you are using any of these medications:

• warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven); or
• other medicines that prevent blood clots, such as alteplase, clopidogrel, dipyridamole, ticlopidine, and urokinase.

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