What is cranberry?
Cranberry is produced from the berry fruit of a North American evergreen shrub.
Cranberry has been used in alternative medicine to prevent bladder symptoms such as
pain or burning with urination. Cranberry will not treat the bacteria that causes a bladder
infection.
Cranberry has also been used to reduce the odor of urine and to improve the quality of life
in people who have urinary incontinence.
Cranberry has not been approved by the FDA to treat any disease, and it should not
be substituted for prescription medications.
Cranberry has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All
potential risks and/or advantages of cranberry may not be known. Additionally, there are no
regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. Some marketed herbal
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.
Cranberry may also have other uses not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cranberry?
Do not take cranberry if you are allergic to it.
Before taking cranberry, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare
provider. You may not be able to use this product if you have ever had a kidney stone.
Do not
take cranberry without telling your doctor if you are
pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Cranberry may be harmful to an unborn
baby.
It is not known whether cranberry passes into breast milk or if it could harm a
nursing baby. Do not use this product without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without the advice of a doctor.
Liquid forms of cranberry may contain sugar or alcohol. Talk to your doctor before using
this form of cranberry if you have diabetes or liver disease, or if you otherwise need to avoid
alcohol.
How should I take cranberry?
When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may
also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.
If you choose to take cranberry, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your
doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is
recommended on the label.
Cranberry is available in a capsule or tablet formulation.
Other forms of cranberry may also be available, such as teas, tinctures, or liquids. Do
not use many different forms of cranberry together at the same time, unless your healthcare
provider instructs you to. Using different forms together may increase your risk of an overdose
of cranberry.
Store cranberry in a sealed container as directed on the product label, away from moisture,
heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose of cranberry?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
wait until then to take this product and skip the missed dose.
Do not
take extra
cranberry to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about cranberry?
Your pharmacist has information about cranberry written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of cranberry?
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.
Stop using cranberry and call your doctor at once if you have any symptoms of a
bladder infection, such as:
Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, and you may have
none at all.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor,
pharmacist, or healthcare provider about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about cranberry?
Cranberry has not been approved by the FDA to treat any disease, and it should not
be substituted for prescription medications.
Do not take cranberry if you are allergic to it.
Before taking cranberry, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare
provider. You may not be able to use this product if you have ever had a kidney stone or if you
take a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).
Cranberry will not treat bacteria that causes a bladder infection.
Cranberry has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All
potential risks and/or advantages of cranberry may not be known. Additionally, there are no
regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. Some marketed herbal
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.
Stop using cranberry and call your doctor at once if you have any symptoms of a
bladder infection, such as pain or burning when you urinate, blood in your urine, severe stomach
pain, or urinating less than usual or not at all.
Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, and you may have none at all. Tell your
doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
What should I avoid while taking cranberry?
Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages,
or activity while you are taking cranberry.
What other drugs will affect cranberry?
Do not take cranberry without the advice of a doctor if you are also taking a blood
thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).
There may be other drugs not listed that can interact with cranberry. Tell your healthcare
provider about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes
vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a
new medication without telling your healthcare provider.
What happens if I have an overdose of cranberry?
