Feverfew

Feverfew suggested uses include prevention and control of migraine, allergies, arthritis, fevers, headaches, menstrual irregularities, psoriasis, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), spinning sensation (vertigo), and cancer.

Feverfew is demonstrated effective to decrease severity/frequency of migraines.

Feverfew is not established for rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions (higher doses may be necessary).

Feverfew is available under the following different brand and other names: altamisa, bachelor button, camomille grande, Chrysanthemum parthenium, featherfew, featherfoil, flirtwort midsummer daisy, midsummer daisy, Santa Maria, and Tanacetum parthenium.

Suggested Dosing

Migraine, Prophylaxis

Extract

• 50-100 mg orally daily

Fresh leaf

• 2.5 leaves orally daily

Freeze-dried leaf

• 50-150 mg orally once or twice daily

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

• See "Suggested Dosing"

Common side effects of Feverfew include:

• Abdominal pain
• Allergic reaction
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Gas (flatulence)
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Menstrual changes
• Mouth ulcers
• Nausea/vomiting
• Nervousness
• Pounding heart
• Rash
• Tiredness
• Upset stomach
• Weight gain
• Anxiety (chronic use)
• Headache (chronic use)
• Muscle/joint stiffness (chronic use)
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia) (chronic use)

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first.

• Feverfew has no known severe interactions with other drugs.
• Feverfew has no known serious interactions with other drugs.
• Feverfew has moderate interactions with at least 73 different drugs.
• Feverfew has mild interactions with at least 49 different drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions, concerns or for more information about this medicine.

Warnings

This medication contains feverfew. Do not take altamisa, bachelor button, camomille grande, Chrysanthemum parthenium, featherfew, featherfoil, flirtwort midsummer daisy, midsummer daisy, Santa Maria, or Tanacetum parthenium if you are allergic to feverfew or any ingredients contained in this drug.

Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• Lactation, pregnancy, ragweed allergies
• Hypersensitivity to Asteraceae/Compositae plants
• Hypersensitivity to chrysanthemums, daisies, marigolds

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information available

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Feverfew?"

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Feverfew?"

Cautions

• Quality of products vary widely; depends on content of parthenolide.
• Minimum parthenolide content should be 0.2.

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Feverfew is considered unsafe for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.