DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) (Not applicable.)
Brand Name: Generics only. No brands available.

Dong Quai is used for:

Allergies, anemia, headaches, constipation, high blood pressure, ulcers, rheumatism, and as an antispasmodic. It is also used in women for absent, painful, or irregular menstrual periods; menstrual cramps or weakness; stomach pain after childbirth; infertility; and menopausal symptoms. It may also have other uses. Check with your pharmacist for more details regarding the particular brand you use.

Dong Quai is an herbal product. It works by promoting circulation and helping to restore balance in the hormones.

Do NOT use Dong Quai if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Dong Quai
• you have a cold, the flu, or diarrhea
• you have a blood clotting or blood platelet disorder
• you are pregnant or breast-feeding

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Dong Quai :

Some medical conditions may interact with Dong Quai . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are planning to become pregnant
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have endometriosis; cancer of the breast, ovaries, or uterus; or fibroids in the uterus

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Dong Quai . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Blood thinners (eg, warfarin) because the risk of side effects, such as bleeding, may be increased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Dong Quai may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Dong Quai :

Use Dong Quai as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Dong Quai is taken orally as teas, tablets, capsules, or alcoholic extracts. Dosing depends on the use and the source of the product.
• Use as directed on the package, unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.
• If you miss taking a dose of Dong Quai for 1 or more days, there is no cause for concern. If your doctor recommended that you take it, try to remember your dose every day.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Dong Quai .

Important safety information:

• If you experience excessive menstrual bleeding or fever, or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more doses of this product unless your doctor tells you to do so.
• Use of this product may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this product. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a long period of time.
• Diabetes patients - If you have diabetes, Dong Quai may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Dong Quai is not recommended for use in CHILDREN.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Do not use this product if you are pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this product.

Possible side effects of Dong Quai :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Changes in menstrual bleeding; diarrhea; worsening of hot flashes.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); excessive or prolonged vaginal bleeding.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Dong Quai :

Store at room temperature away from heat, moisture, and light unless otherwise directed on the package label. Do not store in the bathroom. Most herbal products are not in childproof containers. Keep Dong Quai out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Dong Quai , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Dong Quai is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Dong Quai . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.