Cautions and Contraindications
Existing
Lung Impairment:
One key concern is a report of lung difficulties among some users.
Out of the 1.5 million prescriptions written in Japan, it was found
that 1 in 20,000 had contracted pneumonitis, or interstitial pneumonia,
serious conditions of the lung that results in inflamed airways.
So, just to be safe, patients with underlying lung issues are recommended
to avoid this remedy.
Pneumonitis was most often found in elderly, frail or infirm patients.
People who already had an underlying lung disease, or who continued
taking the product after breathing difficulties began, experienced
a poorer outcome with this condition.
This is the Japanese government's actual recommended monitoring
for physicians: exclude patients with lung disease, cigarette smokers
and asthmatics. Screen for abnormal lung function at baseline and
one month on treatment, and screen patients during treatment for
signs or symptoms of pneumonitis.
Patients need to monitor lung function closely. Any shortness of
breath, persistent cough or congestion should be cause for concern
and would necessitate the immediate cessation of SST.
Concurrent Interferon Usage:
Interferon, itself, can cause pneumonitis. For this reason persons
taking Interferon should not take SST concurrently,
as it may compound their risk of contracting pneumonitis.
Additional Glycyrrhizin Intake:
Anyone with hypertension (high blood pressure) should be advised
to avoid products with licorice extract that contains very high
levels
of glycyrrhizin.
Glycyrrhizin has been shown to significantly up-regulate blood
pressure.
SST contains glycyrrhizin but not enough to cause concern
on its own.
Studies show the potential side effect of hypertension by glycyrrhizin happens only when the daily dosage of
it is over
100 mg. When taken as directed, the amount of glycyrrhizin in SST is between 24.7 to 46.0 mg per day, which is well below the caution
level.
When taking SST, patients should avoid other licorice-containing
products that might increase the dosage of glycyrrhizin into the
caution range.
Serious Pre-existing Liver Damage Caution:
SST is not recommended for patients who are both diagnosed with cirrhosis and have a platelet count below 100,000. In these cases, careful consideration by, and close supervision of, a physician to proceed with SST is strongly advised.
If you are diagnosed with cirrhosis, you should consult with your health care provider to determine your platelet count prior to taking SST.
Pregnancy and Lactation:
SST is contraindicated for women who are pregnant or nursing.
Additional Cautions:
A small percentage of individuals are sensitive to Bupleurum, the primary herb in this formula. If the following conditions worsen while taking SST, discontinue its use:
- Migraine
- Very high blood pressure (systolic over 180 mmHg)
- Epistaxis (nose bleeds)
To order SST, click here.
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