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Reporting a Medication Error

Be Cautious with Ginkgo Biloba

Published July 31, 2024

Researchers have linked the "memory enhancer" herb ginkgo biloba to bleeding problems. One of the parts of this herb slows blood clotting. People who take ginkgo with other medicines that prevent blood clots, such as Jantoven (warfarin) or aspirin, may increase their risk of bleeding.

In one reported case, a man experienced spontaneous bleeding from his right eye after taking ginkgo for just one week. He was also taking a low dose of aspirin (80 mg) every morning to help prevent a heart attack. When he stopped taking ginkgo, the bleeding stopped, and it did not happen again. There have also been reports of bleeding in people who were not taking other medicines to prevent blood clots. One report involved a young woman who experienced serious bleeding in her brain after she had been using ginkgo for a long time.

Gingko can also reduce the effectiveness of a brain and liver enzyme (monoamine oxidase, or MAO) that helps keep your blood pressure under control. If you are taking ginkgo, you should exercise caution or avoid over-the-counter (OTC) medicines like the decongestant phenylephrine found in many flu and cold products, as they may increase your blood pressure.

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