Generic name:
Flaxseed (linum usitatissimum) - oral
flaxseed oil 1,000 mg capsule
Flaxseed has been used for constipation. It has also been used for controlling levels of cholesterol and blood sugar in the body.
Some herbal/diet supplement products have been found to contain possibly harmful impurities/additives. Check with your pharmacist for more details about your brand.
The FDA has not reviewed this product for safety or effectiveness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Take this product by mouth as directed. Flaxseed may change the way your body absorbs other medicines taken by mouth. Take flaxseed at least 1 to 2 hours before or after the time(s) you usually take other medicines.
Follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Drink plenty of water while using this product.
Do not use this product for constipation for more than 7 days unless directed by your doctor. Do not use this product if you have had bowel problems for longer than 2 weeks or if there is blood in your stool. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
If your condition lasts or gets worse, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.
Nausea, bloating, gas, heartburn, or diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
- severe stomach pain
- failure to have a bowel movement after taking this product
A very serious allergic reaction to this product is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before taking this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor before using this product:
- trouble swallowing (for example, due to esophageal stricture)
- stomach/intestinal problems (including blockage, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis)
- certain types of cancers (breast, ovary, uterus)
- problems of the uterus (such as endometriosis, fibroids)
- bleeding problems
- high blood fat levels (triglycerides)
Liquid forms of this product may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.
Flaxseed has been used at normal doses in pregnancy. High doses are not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this product.
It is unknown if this product passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some drugs that may interact with this product include:
- drugs for diabetes (including metformin, sulfonylureas such as glipizide, glitazones such as pioglitazone)
- medications/other herbal products that may increase your risk of bleeding (including "blood thinners" such as warfarin and heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel and ticlopidine, herbs such as danshen/garlic/ginger/ginkgo)
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Eating properly, drinking more fluids, and regular exercising regularly may help prevent constipation. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep all medical and lab test appointments.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Refer to storage information printed on the package. If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications and herbal products away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Information last revised May 2024.
Copyright(c) 2024 First Databank, Inc.
Selected from NATIONAL DRUG DATA FILE (NDDF) data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc., 2019. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider.
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your health care professional. You should consult your health care professional before taking any drug, changing your diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.