Echinacea Side Effects

Applies to echinacea: oral tablet

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although not all side effects are known, echinacea is thought to be possibly safe when taken for a short period of time.

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea;

• fever, sore throat;

• muscle or joint pain;

• unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth;

• dry mouth, numb feeling in your tongue;

• headache, dizziness, confusion; or

• sleep problems (insomnia).

Echinacea applied to the skin in a topical form can cause an itchy or red skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Some side effects of echinacea may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

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