cranberry

What is the most important information I should know about cranberry?

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.

What is cranberry?

Cranberry is produced from the berry fruit of a North American evergreen shrub. Cranberry is acidic and can interfere with unwanted bacteria in the urinary tract. Cranberry is also believed to act as a diuretic ("water pill").

Cranberry (as juice or in capsules) has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in preventing symptoms such as pain or burning with urination. Cranberry will not treat the bacteria that causes a bladder infection.

Other uses not proven with research have included: urination problems caused by an enlarged prostate; reducing urine odor to improve quality of life in people with urinary incontinence; or healing the skin around the opening of a urostomy (a surgical opening formed to direct urine away from the bladder).

Cranberry is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place 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 purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cranberry?

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

• a history of kidney stones;
• cirrhosis or other liver disease (some cranberry products may contain alcohol);
• diabetes (some cranberry products may contain high amounts of sugar);
• a stomach disorder; or
• if you are allergic to aspirin.

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 use 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.

The chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.

Do not use different forms (juice, tablets, capsules, etc) of cranberry at the same time without medical advice. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose.

Store cranberry in a sealed container as directed on the product label, away from heat and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra cranberry to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking cranberry?

Avoid drinking more than 1 liter (34 ounces) of cranberry juice daily over a long period of time. You could develop kidney stones with long-term use of cranberry juice in large amounts.

What are the possible side effects of cranberry?

• continued pain or burning when you urinate;
• vomiting, severe stomach pain; or
• signs of a kidney stone --painful or difficult urination, pink or red urine, nausea, vomiting, and waves of sharp pain in your side or back spreading to your lower stomach and groin.

Common side effects may include:

• upset stomach;
• nausea, vomiting; or
• diarrhea.

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.

What other drugs will affect cranberry?

Other drugs may interact with cranberry, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments.