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blue-green algae (spirulina) - oral

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GENERIC NAME: BLUE-GREEN ALGAE (SPIRULINA) - ORAL

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

USES: Blue-green algae has been used for a certain type of mouth/tongue ulcer (leukoplakia) and as a nutritional supplement. It has also been used for strengthening the immune system.Some herbal/diet supplement products have been found to contain possibly harmful impurities/additives. Check with your pharmacist for more details about the 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. Follow all directions and warnings on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.

SIDE EFFECTS: Blue-green algae may contain contaminants (microcystins), which can cause liver disease. Stop taking this product and tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, persistent nausea/vomiting.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking blue-green algae, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product: immune system disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis).This product may contain phenylalanine. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to restrict your intake of phenylalanine, consult your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.This product is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more details.It is not known whether this product passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this product is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

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.