What it is used for
- Relieving hot flushes associated with the menopause
- Relieving excessive sweating accompanying menopausal symptoms
- Relieving selected mild climacteric symptoms with an authorised standardised preparation
How it is used
- Swallow the standardised product as directed by the leaflet, doctor or pharmacist
- Do not substitute extracts based only on herb weight because extraction methods differ
- Do not continue without review if symptoms do not improve or worsen
- Check the ingredients of combination products and supplements before use
Possible side effects
- Indigestion, diarrhoea or nausea
- Rash, itching or hives
- Swelling of the face or limbs
- Rarely, liver injury
Who should not use it
- Allergy to black cohosh or any ingredient
- Active liver disease or previous liver injury linked to the product
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Before and while using it
- Stop it and seek assessment for marked tiredness, loss of appetite, upper abdominal pain, dark urine or yellow skin or eyes
- Bleeding after the menopause or a breast lump needs examination and is not treated with the herb
- Ask a clinician before use with a history of breast or uterine cancer or another hormone-sensitive condition
- New, severe or persistent symptoms need assessment to exclude other causes
- Quality and concentration of non-standardised supplements can differ from studied preparations
Medicine interactions
- Tell the clinician about hormone therapy and breast-cancer medicines before use
- Avoid combining it with herbs or medicines that can harm the liver without advice
- Check every ingredient in a combination product to avoid duplicating similar effects
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- It is not used during pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety information is insufficient and hormonal effects are possible
How to store it
- Keep it in the original pack as directed, away from moisture and children's reach
Get medical help straight away if
- Your face, lips or tongue swell, or you find it hard to breathe.
- You get a severe rash, blistering or peeling skin.
- A side effect worries you or doesn’t go away: contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Questions about this medicine?
Talk to a doctor by video, or send your question by text.
Source: Standard international medicine references
This guide is general information and doesn’t replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without asking them, and always read the leaflet in the pack.