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cat's claw
Pronunciation: CATS CLAW
What is the most important information I should know
about cat's claw?
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.
What is cat's claw?
Cat's claw is a plant that is also known as Griffe Du Chat, Liane du Pérou, Life-Giving
Vine of Peru, Samento, Uña De Gato.
Cat's claw has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating
arthritis. People with either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis have used cat's claw.
Different forms of cat's claw may be specific to treating each type of arthritis. Follow your
healthcare provider's instructions about which form to use.
Other uses not proven with research have included stomach and intestinal disorders,
hemorrhoids, chronic fatigue syndrome, herpes, shingles, chickenpox, hay fever, and
many other conditions.
It is not certain whether cat's claw is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal
use of cat's claw has not been approved by the FDA. Cat's claw should not be used in
place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.
Cat's claw 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.
Cat's claw may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider
before taking cat's claw?
Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this
product if you have:
• an autoimmune disorder such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, or psoriasis;
• leukemia; or
• low blood pressure.
Do not use cat's claw if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective
birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether cat's claw passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing
baby. You should not breast-feed while using this product.
Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.
How should I take cat's claw?
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 cat's claw, 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 cat's claw at the same
time without medical advice. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an
overdose.
If you need surgery, stop taking cat's claw at least 2 weeks ahead of time.
Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with cat's claw does not improve, or if it
gets worse while using this product.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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
cat's claw 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 cat's claw?
Avoid taking other herbal/health supplements such as casein protein, coenzyme Q-10
(ubiquinone), fish oil, L-arginine, lycium, or stinging nettle. Combining cat's claw with any
of these substances may cause your blood pressure to get too low.
What are the possible side effects of cat's claw?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction:
hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Although not all side effects are known, cat's claw is thought to be possibly safe when
taken for a short period of time.
Common side effects may include:
• dizziness;
• headaches; or
• vomiting.
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.
What other drugs will affect cat's claw?
Do not take cat's claw without medical advice if you are using a medication to treat
any of the following conditions:
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any type of infection (including HIV, malaria, or tuberculosis);
anxiety or depression;
asthma or allergies;
cancer;
erectile dysfunction;
heartburn or GERD;
high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a heart condition;
migraine headaches;
psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders;
• a psychiatric disorder; or
• seizures.
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, and those you start or stop using
during your treatment with cat's claw, especially:
• birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy; or
• drugs that weaken the immune system such as cancer medicine, steroids, and
medicines to prevent organ transplant rejection.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with cat's claw, including prescription
and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible
interactions are listed in this medication guide.
Where can I get more 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.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, upto-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time
sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United
States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless
specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend
therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in
caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for,
the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug
or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or
appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare
administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover
all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you
have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Copyright 1996-2017 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 1.05. Revision date: 10/9/2014.
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