Loyola Medicine

What is it?

Uva ursi is an herbal medicine used to treat a urinary tract infection.

Other names for Uva Ursi include: Bearberry, Beargrape, Arctosyaphylos Uva Ursi, and Kinnikinnik.

Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you need more information about this medicine or if any information in this leaflet concerns you.

Before Using:

Tell your doctor if you

• are taking medicine or are allergic to any medicine (prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) or dietary supplement)
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine
• are breastfeeding
• have any other health problems, such as high blood pressure or heart or blood vessel disease

Dosage:

Talk with your caregiver about how much Uva Ursi you should take. The amount depends on the strength of the medicine and the reason you are taking Uva Ursi. If you are using this medicine without instructions from your caregiver, follow the directions on the medicine bottle. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than the directions tell you to.

To store this medicine:

Keep all medicine locked up and away from children. Store medicine away from heat and direct light. Do not store your medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down and not work the way it should work. Throw away medicine that is out of date or that you do not need. Never share your medicine with others.

Warnings:

• Before taking Uva Ursi, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Uva Ursi needs alkaline urine in order to work. Do not eat highly acidic foods, such as fruits and juices like lemon, lime, grapefruit, orange, tomato, strawberry, pineapple, or kiwi while using Uva Ursi (2,3).
• Do not use if you have kidney problems (3)
• Do not use if you have digestive problems like gas, diarrhea, or cramping (3)
• Do not use longer than a week at a time or more than 5 times/year without talking to your health care giver (1)
• Call your doctor if symptoms last longer than 2 days (1)

Side Effects:

Stop taking your medicine right away and talk to your doctor if you have any of the following side effects. Your medicine may be causing these symptoms which may mean you are allergic to it.

• Breathing problems or tightness in your throat or chest
• Chest pain
• Skin hives, rash, or itchy or swollen skin

Other Side Effects:

You may have the following side effects, but this medicine may also cause other side effects. Tell your doctor if you have side effects that you think are caused by this medicine.

• Nausea (upset stomach) or vomiting (throwing up) (2)

References:

1. Blumenthal M (ed): Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. American Botanical Council, Austin, TX; 2000.

2. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A et al: Fenugreek seed. In: The Complete German Commission E Monographs. American Botanical Council, Austin, TX; 1998.

3. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R et al (eds): American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL; 1997.