Page 88 - Pharmacognosy 02-06203

Contraindications It should not be used during pregnancy.
Precautions
General: Patients reporting a feeling of tension and swelling of the breasts or menstrual
disturbances should consult a health care provider for a medical diagnosis.
Drug interactions
Although no interactions have been documented, the reported dopaminergic effect may
reduce the efficacy of dopamine-receptor antagonists. Furthermore, due to its potential
hormonal effects, it may interfere with the effectiveness of oral contraceptives and
hormone replacement therapy.
Pregnancy and lactation
In view of the documented pharmacological actions and lack of toxicity data, the use of
vitex during pregnancy should be avoided. It has been reported to stimulate milk secretion
without altering the composition of the breast milk. Nevertheless, it should be avoided
during lactation until further information is available.
Other precautions: Estrogen-dependent breast cancer patients should use Agnus
castus preparations with caution, as weak estrogenic effects have been reported in-vitro.

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