Feverfew is an herb that is used to prevent migraine headaches and many other conditions, including fever, allergies and asthma. There is some research evidence that feverfew may reduce the frequency and severity of migraines, but not all studies agree that it works, according to MedlinePlus. There is too little evidence about other uses to know whether it works or not. Feverfew does pose some risks, so talk to your doctor before taking feverfew.
Safety
Feverfew may be safe for most people when used for less than four months, according to MedlinePlus. Long-term use of feverfew has not been studied. However, feverfew may be unsafe for pregnant women because it may cause early contractions and miscarriage, according to MedlinePlus. The safety of feverfew for women who are breast-feeding has not been studied. Avoid feverfew if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Side Effects
Feverfew can cause side effects that include stomach pain, indigestion, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, gas, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, lightheadedness, headache, insomnia, stiff joints, fatigue, menstrual irregularities, rash, pounding heartbeat and weight gain. If you chew feverfew leaves, instead of taking it in pill form, you may also experience mouth sores, swelling of the mouth, tongue or lips, and loss of taste.
Allergic Reaction
If you are allergic to plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family, you may have an allergic reaction to feverfew. You may be susceptible if you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, chamomile, yarrow daises and other common plants. If you have allergies, talk to your doctor before taking feverfew.
Bleeding Problems
Feverfew may slow blood clotting, which can cause bleeding problems. If you have a bleeding disorder or are taking aspirin or other blood thinners, you should not take feverfew unless you clear it with your doctor first. Feverfew could also cause bleeding problems during surgery. If you are scheduled for surgery, stop taking feverfew two weeks before the operation and alert your doctor that you were on it.
Withdrawal
Do not stop taking feverfew suddenly if you have used it for more than a week because it might cause withdrawal problems, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This can cause symptoms such as headache, tiredness, anxiety, muscle stiffness and joint pain.
Interactions
Feverfew might increase the risk of side effects and other problems if taken in combination with medications that are changed by the liver, according to MedlinePlus. This includes a large number of prescription drugs, including amitriptyline, haloperidol, ondansetron, propranolol, theophylline, omeprazole, lansoprazole, diazepam, ibuprofen, meloxicam, celecoxib, warfarin, lovastatin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, fexofenadine, triazolam and many other drugs. To be safe, talk to your doctor before taking feverfew if you are on any prescription drugs.
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