Generic Name: evening primrose (EVE ning PRIM rose)
Brand Names: Evening Primrose, Evening Primrose Oil, Primrose Oil
What is Evening Primrose Oil (evening primrose)?
Evening primrose is a flowering plant also known as Oenothera biennis, scabish, king's cureall, night willow herb, sun drop, and fever plant.
Evening primrose has been used in alternative medicine as an aid in treating heart disease, high cholesterol, circulation problems, premenstrual syndrome, endometriosis, breast pain, certain symptoms of menopause, eczema, psoriasis, acne, osteoporosis, and multiple sclerosis. It has also been used in cancer, Alzheimer's disease, asthma, diabetes, hyperactivity, and stomach or intestinal disorders.
Not all uses for evening primrose have been approved by the FDA. Evening primrose should not be substituted for medications prescribed for you by your doctor.
Evening primrose 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.
Evening primrose may also be used for other purposes not listed in this product guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Evening Primrose Oil (evening primrose)?
Do not take evening primrose without the advice of a doctor if you have epilepsy or a seizure disorder, schizophrenia, a bleeding disorder, if you plan to have surgery, or if you are taking blood thinners or an antipsychotic medication. Not all uses for evening primrose have been approved by the FDA. Evening primrose should not be substituted for medications prescribed for you by your doctor.
Evening primrose 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.
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Use evening primrose as directed on the label, or as your healthcare provider has prescribed. Do not use this product in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Evening Primrose Oil (evening primrose)?
You should not use this product if you are allergic to evening primrose. Do not take evening primrose without the advice of a doctor if you have:
epilepsy or a seizure disorder;
schizophrenia;
a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder; or
if you plan to have any type of surgery.
It is not known whether evening primrose is harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this product without talking to a healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether evening primrose passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Ask your healthcare provider before using evening primrose if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without the advice of a doctor.
How should I take Evening Primrose Oil (evening primrose)?
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 take evening primrose, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of evening primrose than is recommended on the label.
Do not use different formulations of evening primrose at the same time without first talking to your healthcare provider. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an evening primrose overdose.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using evening primrose. Evening primrose may increase the risk of bleeding, and you may need to stop taking this product for at least 2 weeks before surgery.
If your condition does not improve, or if it appears to get worse, contact your doctor.
Store evening primrose as directed on the package.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Consult your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare provider for instructions if you miss a 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 Evening Primrose Oil (evening primrose)?
Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Evening Primrose Oil (evening primrose) side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking evening primrose and call your healthcare provider at once if you have a seizure (convulsions).
Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, and you may have none at all. Tell your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare provider about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
What other drugs will affect Evening Primrose Oil (evening primrose)?
Do not take evening primrose without the advice of a healthcare provider if you are using any of the following medications:
a blood thinner such as heparin, dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), or warfarin (Coumadin);
clopidogrel (Plavix);
aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), indomethacin (Indocin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), meloxicam (Mobic), piroxicam (Feldene), and others; or
medicines used to treat psychiatric disorders, such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Permitil, Prolixin), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine, Compro), promethazine (Pentazine, Phenergan, Phenadoz, Promethegan), thioridazine (Mellaril), or trifluoperazine (Stelazine).
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with evening primrose. Tell your healthcare provider about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
More Evening Primrose Oil resources
- Evening Primrose Oil Side Effects (in more detail)
- Evening Primrose Oil Drug Interactions
- Evening Primrose Oil Support Group
- 2 Reviews for Evening Primrose - Add your own review/rating
- Evening Primrose Oil Natural MedFacts for Professionals (Wolters Kluwer)
- Evening Primrose Oil MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
Compare Evening Primrose Oil with other medications
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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.
See also: Evening Primrose side effects (in more detail)
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