Kava adverse effects / liver problems Attorneys at Law, New York, NY

** FDA LINKS KAVA TO LIVER DAMAGE **

** IF YOU HAVE HAD ADVERSE REACTIONS TO KAVA, YOU MAY HAVE A LEGAL CLAIM **

If you have had adverse effects after taking dietary supplements containing kava, you may have a legal claim.

Common adverse effects likely to be displayed include: liver damage; mental confusion; discoloration of the skin, hair, nails or eyes; pupil dilation and difficulty focusing; loss of balance; diarrhea; abdominal pain, nausea and/or vomiting; or other troublesome symptoms.

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Warning: kava can be addictive. Combined with some prescription drugs, kava can produce deep sedation and / or coma. Kava may cause hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure in some patients.

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On March 25, 2002, the FDA announced an investigation into the relationship between the use of dietary supplements containing kava and liver injury. The agency's investigation is twofold: 1) to determine a biological explanation for the relationship, and 2) to identify the different sources of kava in the U.S. and Europe. This action is due to several reports of liver-related injuries associated with the taking of kava - including the report of a previously healthy young female who required a liver transplantation.

Regulatory agencies in other countries (Germany, Switzerland, France, Canada, and the United Kingdom) have warned consumers about the potential risks of kava use. Some have removed kava-containing products from the marketplace due to liver-related risks, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure, associated with its use. There are also other reports, in other countries, of liver transplants needed following use of this supplement.

Kava is known by many names on the labels of kava-containing dietary supplements: ava, ava pepper, awa, intoxicating pepper, kava, kava kava, kava pepper, kava root, kava-kava, kawa, kawa kawa, kawa-kawa, kew, Piper methysticum, Piper methysticum Forst.f., Piper methysticum G. Forst., rauschpfeffer, sakau, tonga, wurzelstock, and yangona.

Kava is generally used as an herbal supplement. It contains lactones which are believed to relieve stress, anxiety, tension, sleeplessness, and menopausal symptoms. Because kava is not marketed as a drug, but as a food supplement, the FDA has not tested nor made determinations on it. Kava (Piper methysticum) is a plant (a member of the pepper family) discovered in islands in the South Pacific. It is commonly used to prepare a local, traditional beverage.

Most frequently reported adverse effects are:

Liver Problems
Skin Problems: acne, skin rash, yellow tone to skin
Eye Conditions: yellow, red or irritated
Urine Problems: bloody or cloudy urine; frequent urge to urinate; difficult,
burning, or painful urination
Stomach Problems: constipation, diarrhea, gas, heartburn, indigestion, loss
of appetite, nausea and/or vomiting, stomach pain, tenderness in stomach
area
General symptoms: fever, hair loss, headache, joint or muscle pain or
stiffness, light-colored stools, unexplained weight loss, unusual tiredness
or weakness.

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Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you suspect side effects, check with your doctor.

You are at Medical Risk if you are taking Kava and:

Are not under a doctor's care or are not receiving regular monitoring of liver function tests while taking kava.
Are also being treated with methotrexate and/or NSAID drugs.
Are taking prescription medicines such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for depression, Parkinson's disease, or any other disorder (i.e.: Eldepryl®, Parnate®, Nardil®).
Are taking weight loss medications or herbal products that act on the brain such as decongestants and cough suppressants.
Are taking prescription or OTC medications such as sedatives or sleeping pills, antipsychotics.
Are taking prescription or OTC medications for depression or medicines that regulate the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain (i.e.: Prozac®, Zoloft®, Effexor®, Luvox®, or Paxil®).
Are under 16 years of age.
Are suffering from anorexia nervosa.
Use alcohol while taking kava.
Have diabetes.
Have high cholesterol.
Have a history of alcohol abuse.
Have a liver disease, including hepatitis B or C.
Have a renal or kidney disease.
Have a history of liver function disturbance.
Have a history of pancreatic carcinoma.

If you suspect that you may be experiencing health problems due to Kava:

Call your prescribing physician.
Contact Belluck & Fox, LLP to be sure your legal rights are preserved and that you receive fast, individualized representation.

At Belluck & Fox, LLP, we focus on consumer, environmental and
defective product litigation. We will use our years of legal experience to
counsel you about your legal rights and to advocate on your behalf.

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