Milk thistle

Milk thistle is a plant also known as Artichaut Sauvage, Cardo Lechoso, Cardui Mariae, Carduus marianus, Chardon Argenté, Chardon de Marie, Épine Blanche, Holy Thistle, Lady's Thistle, Lait de Notre-Dame, Legalon, Marian Thistle, Mariendistel, Mary Thistle, Shui Fei Ji, Silibinin, Silybe de Marie, Silybum, Silymarin, and other names.

Milk thistle has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating heartburn or seasonal allergy symptoms. Milk thistle may have been combined with other plants or extracts in a specific preparation to treat these conditions.

Other uses that have not been proven by research include treating malaria, mushroom poisoning, spleen or gallbladder problems, menstrual problems, liver problems (such as hepatitis B or C), and other conditions.

It is not certain whether milk thistle is effective in treating any medical condition. The FDA has not approved the medicinal use of this product. Milk thistle should not be used instead of medication prescribed by your doctor.

Milk thistle is often sold as an herbal supplement. Many herbal compounds do not have regulated manufacturing standards, 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 reduce the risk of contamination.

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

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

If you decide to use milk thistle, follow the instructions on the package or those given by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not take more of this product than what is recommended on the label.

Do not use different forms (tablets, liquid, extract, teas, etc) of milk thistle at the same time without medical advice. Using different forms together raises the risk of an overdose.

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with milk thistle does not get better or if it worsens while using this product.

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

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

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

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

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

• an allergy to plants such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies.

Before taking milk thistle, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare professional if you have allergies (especially to plants), have any medical conditions, or if you take other medicines or other herbal products. Milk thistle may not be recommended in some situations.

It is not known whether milk thistle will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether milk thistle passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give any herbal product to a child without medical advice.

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

Common side effects of milk thistle may include:

• indigestion, bloating, gas, stomach pain;
• diarrhea; or
• nausea, loss of appetite.

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 nearly time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra milk thistle 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 milk thistle without talking to your doctor if you are using a medication to treat any of these conditions:

• any type of infection (including HIV, malaria, or tuberculosis);
• anxiety or depression;
• arthritis pain, occasional pain, or tension headaches (including Advil, Motrin, or Celebrex);
• 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.

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