Ginkgo Capsules and Tablets

What is this medication?

GINKGO (GING koh) is promoted for many conditions, such as memory loss, dementia, eye problems, poor blood circulation, and ringing in the ears. This supplement is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Alzheimer's disease or other dementia
• Bleeding problems
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Seizure disorder
• Taking blood-thinner medications
• An unusual or allergic reaction to ginkgo, other herbs, plants, medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the package labeling or ask your care team. For best results take this medication with food. Do not take this medication more often than directed.

Contact your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Check with your care team if you are taking any of the following medications:

• Aspirin and aspirin-like medications
• Medications for high blood pressure or heart problems like diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil
• Medications that treat or prevent blood clots like enoxaparin, heparin, warfarin
• NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• Trazodone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

See your care team if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

If you are scheduled for any medical or dental procedure, tell your care team that you are taking this medication. You may need to stop taking this medication before the procedure.

Herbal or dietary supplements are not regulated like medications. Rigid quality control standards are not required for dietary supplements. The purity and strength of these products can vary. The safety and effect of this dietary supplement for a certain disease or illness is not well known. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The Food and Drug Administration suggests the following to help consumers protect themselves:

• Always read product labels and follow directions.
• Natural does not mean a product is safe for humans to take.
• Look for products that include USP after the ingredient name. This means that the manufacturer followed the standards of the US Pharmacopoeia.
• Products made or sold by a nationally known food or drug company are more likely to be made under tight controls. You can write to the company for more information about how the product was made.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart palpitations—rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Upset stomach

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature or as directed on the package label. Protect from moisture. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.