Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto is a tree that is also called the American Dwarf Palm Tree, Baies du Chou Palmiste, Baies du Palmier Scie, Cabbage Palm, Chou Palmiste, Ju-Zhong, Palma Enana Americana, Palmier de Floride, Palmier Nain, Palmier Nain Américain, Palmier Scie, Sabal, Sabal Fructus, Saw Palmetto Berry, and other names.

Saw palmetto has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in reducing complications from prostate surgery (such as blood loss or problems during surgery) and the time spent in the hospital after surgery.

Saw palmetto has also been used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) such as pain when you urinate or increased urination at night. However, research has shown that saw palmetto may not be effective in treating this condition.

Other uses that have not been proven with research include hair loss, breathing disorders such as asthma and chronic bronchitis, pelvic pain, prostate disorders, common cold, hirsutism (increased facial or body hair growth in women), urination problems, prostate cancer, sexual problems, and other conditions.

It is not certain whether saw palmetto is effective in treating any medical condition. The FDA has not approved the medicinal use of this product. Saw palmetto should not be used instead of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Saw palmetto is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards 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 bought from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Saw palmetto may also be used for other purposes not listed in this product guide.

If you decide to use saw palmetto, follow the directions on the package or as instructed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. You may also want to talk to a practitioner who is trained in herbal products. Do not use more of this product than what is suggested on the label.

Your dose may change if you switch to a different strength or brand of this product. To avoid medication mistakes, use it exactly as directed on the label or as prescribed by your doctor.

Take with food if saw palmetto makes your stomach upset.

If you need surgery, dental work, or a medical procedure, stop taking saw palmetto at least 2 weeks before.

Contact your doctor if the condition you are treating with saw palmetto does not get better, or if it worsens while using this product.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

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.

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

• a planned surgery.

Do not use saw palmetto if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Saw palmetto is considered likely unsafe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Saw palmetto may make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about other birth control options such as an injection, implant, skin patch, vaginal ring, condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge.

Do not give any Herbal products to a child without medical advice.

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

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

• unusual bleeding--nosebleeds, bleeding gums, any bleeding that will not stop;
• signs of liver or pancreas problems--loss of appetite, upper stomach pain (that may spread to your back), nausea or vomiting, fast heart rate, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• heart problems--high blood pressure, pounding heartbeats, dizziness, loss of consciousness, swelling, cough, rapid weight gain, shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;
• new changes in skin; or
• hot flashes.

Common side effects of Saw Palmetto may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain;
• headache, dizziness, tiredness;
• impotence, sexual problems; or
• runny or stuffy nose.

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.

If you miss a dose, skip it and take your next dose at the regular time.

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

Avoid using saw palmetto together with other herbal products or health supplements that can also affect blood clotting. This includes angelica (dong quai), capsicum, clove, dandelion, danshen, evening primrose, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, poplar, red clover, turmeric, and willow.

Do not use different forms of saw palmetto (pills, liquids, and others) at the same time or you could have an overdose.

Do not take saw palmetto without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:

• birth control pills and other hormones; or
• blood thinners and medicine used to prevent blood clots.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect saw palmetto, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and Herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.