What is Lysine?

Lysine is an essential amino acid. Essential means that it is not produced by the body and therefore it must be taken in either by diet or by taking supplements. Lysine is found in foods such as yogurt, fish, cheese, brewer’s yeast, wheat germ, pork, and other meats.
Lysine has been used to treat or prevent herpes infections (genital herpes and cold sores) and canker sores. It has also been used to treat symptoms of Bell’s palsy, and to improve calcium use in the body.
Lysine has not been approved by the FDA to treat any disease, and it should not be substituted for prescription medications.
Lysine may also have uses other than those listed in this product guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Lysine?

Lysine has not been approved by the FDA to treat any disease, and it should not be substituted for prescription medications.
Lysine has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of this product 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.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Lysine?

Before taking lysine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare provider. You may not be able to use this product if you have liver or kidney disease, or certain other medical conditions or allergies.
Do not take lysine without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether lysine will be harmful to an unborn baby.
Do not take lysine without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. It is not known whether lysine will be harmful to a nursing infant.

Lysine Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Lysine?

Stop taking lysine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Lysine Interactions

What other drugs affect Lysine?

The following drugs may become toxic if you take them together with lysine. Tell your healthcare provider if you are using any of these:

• gentamicin (Garamycin)
• tobramycin (Nebcin, TOBI)
• amikacin (Amikin)
• kanamycin (Kantrex)
• netilmicin (Netromycin)
• neomycin (Mycifradin, Neo-Fradin, Neo-Tab)
• netilmicin (Netromycin)
• streptomycin; or
• tobramycin (Nebcin, Tobi)

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to take lysine, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with lysine. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Lysine?

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without a doctor’s advice.

Lysine Dosage

How should I take Lysine?

Lysine has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of this product 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.
If you choose to take lysine, use it exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.
Store lysine at room temperature, away from heat, light, and moisture.

What happens if I overdose on Lysine?

An overdose of lysine is unlikely to threaten life. Call an emergency room or poison control center for advice if you think you have taken too much.

What happens if I miss a dose of Lysine?

No information is available regarding a missed dose of lysine. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare professional for instructions if you miss a dose.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com