Feverfew for Migraines (Cont.)

Feverfew for Migraines: Side Effects and Cautions

No serious side effects have been reported for feverfew. Less serious side effects can include:
 
  • Canker sores
  • Swelling and irritation of the lips and tongue
  • Loss of taste.
     
Some less common side effects include:
 
  • Nausea
  • Digestive problems
  • Bloating.
 
People who take feverfew for a long time and then stop taking it may have:
 
  • Headaches
  • Nervousness
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Stiff muscles
  • Joint pain.
 
Women who are pregnant should not use feverfew, because it may cause the uterus to contract, increasing the risk of miscarriage or premature delivery. It is not known whether feverfew passes through breast milk. Therefore, it is also not recommended for women who are breastfeeding.
 
People can have allergic reactions to feverfew. Those who are allergic to other members of the daisy family (which includes ragweed and chrysanthemums) are more likely to be allergic to feverfew.
 
Finally, make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any complementary and alternative medicines you use. This will allow him or her to have a full picture of what you do to manage your health and help ensure coordinated and safe care.
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD