Bee pollen
Generic name: bee pollen [ BEE-PAW-len ]
Drug class: Herbal products
What is bee pollen?
Bee pollen is made from bee saliva, and plant pollens and nectar collected by worker bees. Bee pollen is also known as Buckwheat Pollen, Extrait de Pollen d'Abeille, Maize Pollen, Pine Pollen, Polen de Abeja, Pollen d'Abeille, Pollen de Sarrasin, and other names.
Bee pollen should not be confused with apitherapy, bee venom, or royal jelly.
Bee pollen has been used in alternative medicine as an aid to increase stamina and improve athletic ability. However, research has shown that bee pollen may not be effective in increasing athletic performance.
Other uses not proven with research have included premenstrual syndrome, premature aging, hay fever, nosebleeds, joint pain, painful urination, prostate problems, stomach problems, and other conditions.
It is not certain whether bee pollen is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Bee pollen should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.
Bee pollen 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.
Bee pollen may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.
Bee pollen side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives, itching; feeling light-headed; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Although not all side effects are known, bee pollen is thought to be possibly safe when taken for up to 30 days.
Long-term use of bee pollen may cause serious side effects. Stop using bee pollen and call your healthcare provider at once if you have:
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skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
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trouble breathing;
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upper stomach pain, loss of appetite; or
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swelling, rapid weight gain.
Common side effects of bee pollen may include:
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numbness, tingling; or
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.
Warnings
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.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use bee pollen if you are allergic to it.
Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have allergies (especially to bee stings or other bee products).
It is not known whether bee pollen will harm an unborn baby. However, there has been some concern that bee pollen may stimulate uterine contractions. Do not use this product if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether bee pollen passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.
How should I take bee pollen?
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 bee pollen, 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.
Do not use different forms (tablets, liquid, tincture, teas, etc) of bee pollen at the same time without medical advice. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of bee pollen.
Do not take topical (for the skin) bee pollen by mouth. Topical forms of this product are for use only on the skin.
Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with bee pollen does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, 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 bee pollen to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking bee pollen?
Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
What other drugs will affect bee pollen?
Do not take bee pollen without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with bee pollen, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
More about bee pollen
Related treatment guides
Further 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.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
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