Milk Thistle Supplement Side Effects

Milk Thistle is a natural herbal supplement which has been used in traditional medicine to treat gallbladder and liver dysfunction. The herb contains a compound of flavonoids, silymarin and silipide, which are reputed for their liver cleansing, healing and anti-inflammatory properties. While it is natural, there still exists the risk of adverse effects and drug interactions. Additionally, since the FDA does not regulate herbal supplements, purity, safety and strength may vary from product to product. Be sure to thoroughly read the product label and consult your doctor before beginning treatment.

Allergic Reaction

• You may be at an increased risk of experiencing an allergic reaction if you have a history of allergic reactions to daisies, plants that are in the aster family, kiwi, common thistle, artichokes, silibinin, silydianin, silychistin, silymonin or siliandrin. Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction could include itching, redness, rash or hives. More serious allergic reactions are indicated with difficulty breathing, facial swelling or swelling of the throat. Contact your doctor immediately if you are experiencing any signs of a serious allergic reaction.

Side Effects

• Milk thistle is generally well tolerated when taken as directed. Few reports have been received of side effects like nausea, appetite loss, heartburn, gas, headache, itching, joint pain and impotence. One person reported vomiting, weakness, diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea and collapse after taking the herbal supplement. This may have been due to an allergic reaction. One person reported high levels of liver enzymes while taking milk thistle. After discontinuing use, the liver enzymes returned to normal.

Contraindications

• If you have diabetes, hypoglycemia or if you are taking any medications that affect your blood sugar, you should use caution in using milk thistle as it may lower blood glucose levels. Your doctor may need to monitor you closely and adjust your medication dosages. Milk thistle may have an estrogenic effect. Women who have conditions that are hormone-sensitive (like uterine cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, fibroids or endometriosis) should avoid the parts of the plant form above the ground. Most of the commonly used extracts of milk thistle have not proven to have these effects. Ingesting milk thistle has been associated with the worsening of hemochromatosis.

Drug Interactions

• Because milk thistle affects liver enzymes, it poses a risk of interacting with any medications that are processed through these enzymes. This includes many HIV/AIDS medications (like non-nukes and protease inhibitors), methadone, heart medications (propafenone or flecainide), antibiotics (erythromycin or rifampin), anti-seizure medications (carbamazepine), antidepressants (St. John's Wort, buproprion, paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline, venlafaxine and nefazodone), antihistamines, antifungals, anti-psychotics (clozapine and pimozide), sedatives (triazolam or zolpidem), statin medications and transplant medications. It can also lower the levels of drugs like anti-parasites, hormones and lorazepam.

Considerations

• While milk thistle is all-natural and is emerging as a beneficial supplement, this does not mean that it is not without risks. Be sure to consult your doctor or pharmacist before beginning milk thistle supplementation to avoid the risk of serious side effects or drug interactions.