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birch leaf (Betula sp.)-oral

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GENERIC NAME: BIRCH LEAF (Betula sp.) - ORAL

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Birch leaf has been used for flushing the kidney and bladder (e.g., flushing out kidney and bladder stones), and for urinary infections. It has also been used for treatment of arthritis. Some herbal/diet supplement products have been found to contain possibly harmful impurities/additives. Check with your pharmacist for more details regarding the particular brand you use. The FDA has not reviewed this product for safety or effectiveness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

HOW TO USE: Take this product by mouth as directed. Drink plenty of water while your are taking this product. Follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you think you may have a kidney or bladder infection, contact your doctor immediately. Your condition may require medical treatment or prescription medication (antibiotics). Symptoms of an infection include back pain, painful urination or frequency/urgency of urination. If your condition persists or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.

SIDE EFFECTS: If you notice any unexpected effects, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor before using this product: kidney or bladder infection (pyelonephritis or cystitis), heart disease. The liquid preparations of this product may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence or liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of this product. Birch leaf is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this product. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription medications you may use, especially of: "water pills" (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide).

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

NOTES: Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Refer to storage information printed on the package. If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.