What is Azo-Cranberry (Cranberry (Generic))?
Cranberry is produced from the berry fruit of a North American evergreen shrub.
Cranberry has been used in alternative medicine to prevent bladder symptoms such as pain or burning with urination. Cranberry will not treat the bacteria that causes a bladder infection.
Cranberry has also been used to reduce the odor of urine and to improve the quality of life in people who have urinary incontinence.
Cranberry has not been approved by the FDA to treat any disease, and it should not be substituted for prescription medications.
Cranberry has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of cranberry may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. Some marketed herbal 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.
Cranberry may also have other uses not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Azo-Cranberry (Cranberry (Generic))?
Cranberry has not been approved by the FDA to treat any disease, and it should not be substituted for prescription medications.
Do not take cranberry if you are allergic to it.
Before taking cranberry, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare provider. You may not be able to use this product if you have ever had a kidney stone or if you take a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).
Cranberry will not treat bacteria that causes a bladder infection.
Cranberry has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of cranberry may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. Some marketed herbal 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.
Stop using cranberry and call your doctor at once if you have any symptoms of a bladder infection, such as pain or burning when you urinate, blood in your urine, severe stomach pain, or urinating less than usual or not at all.
Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, and you may have none at all. Tell your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Azo-Cranberry (Cranberry (Generic))?
Do not take cranberry if you are allergic to it.
Before taking cranberry, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare provider. You may not be able to use this product if you have ever had a kidney stone.
Do not take cranberry without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Cranberry may be harmful to an unborn baby.
It is not known whether cranberry passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without the advice of a doctor.
Liquid forms of cranberry may contain sugar or alcohol. Talk to your doctor before using this form of cranberry if you have diabetes or liver disease, or if you otherwise need to avoid alcohol.
Azo-Cranberry Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Azo-Cranberry (Cranberry (Generic))?
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 using cranberry and call your doctor at once if you have any symptoms of a bladder infection, such as:
- pain or burning when you urinate
- blood in your urine
- severe stomach pain; or
- urinating less than usual or not at all
Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, and you may have none at all.
Other side effects may also occur with the use of cranberry. Tell your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare provider about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
Azo-Cranberry Interactions
What other drugs affect Azo-Cranberry (Cranberry (Generic))?
Do not take cranberry without the advice of a doctor if you are also taking a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).
There may be other drugs that can interact with cranberry. Tell your doctor 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.
What should I avoid while taking Azo-Cranberry (Cranberry (Generic))?
Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are taking cranberry.
Azo-Cranberry Dosage
How should I take Azo-Cranberry (Cranberry (Generic))?
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 cranberry, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.
Cranberry is available in a capsule or tablet formulation.
Other forms of cranberry may also be available, such as teas, tinctures, or liquids. Do not use many different forms of cranberry together at the same time, unless your healthcare provider instructs you to. Using different forms together may increase your risk of an overdose of cranberry.
Store cranberry in a sealed container as directed on the product label, away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I overdose on Azo-Cranberry (Cranberry (Generic))?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include stomach pain or diarrhea.
What happens if I miss a dose of Azo-Cranberry (Cranberry (Generic))?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take this product and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra cranberry to make up the missed dose.
Edited from everydayhealth.com