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What is ginger?
The use of ginger in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous. Ginger is also known as zingiber. Ginger is a commonly used flavoring agent and food product. Ginger is also available as an herbal supplement. The information contained in this leaflet refers to the use of ginger as an herbal supplement. When used as a food product, the benefits and potential side effects of ginger may be less pronounced than when it is used as an herbal supplement.

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What are the possible side effects of ginger?

Although uncommon, allergic reactions to ginger have been reported. Stop taking ginger and seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.

Side effects other than those listed here have not been reported with the use of ginger. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that you develop.

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How should I take ginger?
The use of ginger in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous. If you choose to take ginger, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

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What is the most important information I should know about ginger?
Ginger is a commonly used flavoring agent and food product. Ginger is also available as an herbal supplement. The information contained in this leaflet refers to the use of ginger as an herbal supplement. When used as a food product, the benefits and potential side effects of ginger may be less pronounced than when it is used as an herbal supplement. Do not take ginger without first talking to your doctor if you have gallstones or any other disease of the gallbladder; have diabetes or if you are taking a medicine to control your blood sugar levels;

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What happens if I miss a dose?
No information is available regarding a missed dose of ginger. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider if you require further information.

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What other drugs will affect ginger?
Do not take ginger without first talking to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: any heart medicine; a medicine to control blood sugar levels such as insulin, glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Glynase, Diabeta, Micronase), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), tolbutamide (Orinase), tolazamide (Tolinase), troglitazone (Rezulin), rosiglitazone (Avandia), repaglinide (Prandin), metformin (Glucophage), and others; warfarin (Coumadin); aspirin; a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, others), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Anaprox, others), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis), indomethacin (Indocin), etodolac (Lodine), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), piroxicam (Feldene), sulindac (Clinoril), tolmetin (Tolectin), and others;

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Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?

Do not take ginger without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant.

Do not take ginger without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a ginger overdose may include sleepiness, confusion, dizziness, and irregular heartbeats.

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Who should not take ginger?
Do not take ginger without first talking to your doctor if you have gallstones or any other disease of the gallbladder; have diabetes or if you are taking a medicine to control your blood sugar levels; have any heart problems or take any heart medicines; have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder or are taking a medicine to increase or decrease the clotting of your blood such as aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), or heparin; or take other herbs, antioxidants, or health supplements (these may affect blood thinning).

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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.

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