Clipping Board » Drug Poisoning ─ It is necessary to be aware of the toxic side effects before taking medication.
A 23-year-old female college student nearly lost her life after taking traditional Chinese medicine to regulate her menstrual cycle, which led to severe hepatitis.
A month ago, due to academic stress, the student experienced irregular menstruation and began taking Chinese herbal medicine to regulate it. Unexpectedly, she developed a persistent high fever and severe hepatitis, almost costing her life.
The student used a variety of Chinese herbs, including safflower and star anise, as part of her menstrual regulation formula. After taking just two doses, she began experiencing back pain. By the seventh dose, she was rushed to the emergency room with a fever, and her liver enzyme levels soared to over 2,000, leading to severe hepatitis. She underwent more than ten sessions of liver and kidney dialysis before her life was saved.
Dr. Lin Zongyue from the Traditional Medicine Department at Taipei Medical University stated that although the herbs the student took were tested and found to be non-toxic, individual body constitutions vary. What works for one person might be harmful to another. If discomfort occurs after two doses, it is advisable to change the medication.
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners also warn that any herbal medicine should be prescribed by a qualified practitioner based on symptoms. Otherwise, even the mildest herbs might not only fail to treat the illness but could also be life-threatening.
Chinese Herbal Medicine for Menstrual Regulation Leads to Severe Hepatitis?
A month ago, due to academic stress, the student experienced irregular menstruation and began taking Chinese herbal medicine to regulate it. Unexpectedly, she developed a persistent high fever and severe hepatitis, almost costing her life.
The student used a variety of Chinese herbs, including safflower and star anise, as part of her menstrual regulation formula. After taking just two doses, she began experiencing back pain. By the seventh dose, she was rushed to the emergency room with a fever, and her liver enzyme levels soared to over 2,000, leading to severe hepatitis. She underwent more than ten sessions of liver and kidney dialysis before her life was saved.
Dr. Lin Zongyue from the Traditional Medicine Department at Taipei Medical University stated that although the herbs the student took were tested and found to be non-toxic, individual body constitutions vary. What works for one person might be harmful to another. If discomfort occurs after two doses, it is advisable to change the medication.
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners also warn that any herbal medicine should be prescribed by a qualified practitioner based on symptoms. Otherwise, even the mildest herbs might not only fail to treat the illness but could also be life-threatening.