Feverfew: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a plant native to Asia Minor and the Balkans. Feverfew dried leaves, fresh leaves, and extracts are used in medicine.

Feverfew leaves contain many different chemicals, including one called parthenolide. Parthenolide, as well as other chemicals in feverfew, might help decrease migraine headaches.

People most commonly use feverfew for migraine headaches. People also use feverfew for itching, tension headache, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

Migraine. Taking feverfew by mouth, alone or with other ingredients, can reduce the frequency and duration of migraine headaches. It might also reduce pain, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and noise.

There is interest in using feverfew for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Dried feverfew leaf or feverfew extract is likely safe when taken for up to 4 months. Side effects might include upset stomach, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and vomiting.

Chewing the fresh leaves of feverfew is possibly unsafe. It can cause mouth sores, swelling of the mouth, and loss of taste.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy: Feverfew is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. There is concern that it might cause early contractions and miscarriage. Don't use feverfew if you are pregnant.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if feverfew is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Bleeding disorders: Feverfew might slow blood clotting. Taking feverfew could increase the risk of bleeding in some people. Until more is known, use feverfew cautiously if you have a bleeding disorder.

Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Feverfew might cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family. This includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking feverfew.

Surgery: Feverfew might slow blood clotting. It might cause bleeding during and after surgery. Stop taking feverfew at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with Feverfew
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Feverfew might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates) interacts with Feverfew
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Feverfew might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with Feverfew
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Feverfew might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with Feverfew
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Feverfew might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Feverfew
Feverfew might slow blood clotting. Taking feverfew along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C8 (CYP2C8) substrates) interacts with Feverfew
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Feverfew might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates) interacts with Feverfew
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Feverfew might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Dosing

Feverfew has most often been used by adults in doses of 50-150 mg by mouth daily for up to 4 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

REFERENCES:

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DeWeerdt CJ, Bootsman H, and Hendricks H. Herbal medicines in migraine prevention. Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial of a feverfew preparation. Phytomed 1996;3(3):225-230.

Palevitch D, Earon G, and Carasso R. Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) as a prophylactic treatment for migraine: a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Phytother Res 1997;11(7):508-511.

Kuritzky A, Elhacham Y, Yerushalmi Z, and et al. Feverfew in the treatment of migraine: its effect on serotonin uptake and platelet activity. Neurology 1994;44(Suppl 2):A201.

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Feverfew - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Overview

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with Feverfew

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates) interacts with Feverfew

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with Feverfew

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with Feverfew

Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Feverfew

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C8 (CYP2C8) substrates) interacts with Feverfew

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates) interacts with Feverfew

Dosing

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