Iscador Side Effects

Iscador, also known as mistletoe or Viscum album, is a European parasitic, berry-producing plant that grows on host trees. In 1920, Rudolf Steiner, PhD., of Switzerland, started promoting Iscador as a cancer treatment. Iscador currently is used in several countries as an anti-cancer drug, and is normally given by subcutaneous injection. It is not approved as a medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Iscador causes some side effects and should not be taken by patients with heart or blood pressure problems, or by patients taking blood thinners or MAO inhibitors for depression.

Fever

• The most common side effect of Iscador injections is a fever, mostly low-grade (between 98.6 degrees F and 100.4 degrees F). The fever may be temporary or may last for the duration of treatment with Iscador. The fever also may be accompanied by chills and headaches.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

• Gastrointestinal symptoms are common with Iscador treatment, including nausea, vomiting, indigestion, abdominal pain and diarrhea. These symptoms may be alleviated with anti-nausea and other gastrointestinal medications.

Cardiac Symptoms

• Some patients suffer from chest pains or a slow heartbeat (bradycardia) during Iscador treatment. Patients who experience cardiac symptoms usually notice them within the first few days of Iscador treatment.

Blood Pressure Symptoms

• Iscador can cause either high or low blood pressure (hypertension or hypotension). These symptoms usually cease when Iscador treatment ends.

Injection Site Irritation

• Some patients may suffer from inflammation of the skin around the Iscador injection site. This symptom is temporary and resolves itself shortly after completion of the injections.

Serious Side Effects

• At excessive doses, Iscador is known to cause seizures, coma and death. Therefore, Iscador injections should be prescribed and administered only by a licensed physician. Iscador in liquid or supplement form should never be taken unsupervised as a home remedy.