Not all uses for senna have been approved by the FDA. Senna should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.
Senna is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Use senna as directed on the label, or as your healthcare provider has prescribed. Do not use this product in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Call your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using senna. Do not use this product for longer than 1 week without the advice of a healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use senna if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
diarrhea or loose stools;
severe stomach pain;
swelling or a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);
Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, appendicitis;
hemorrhoids, anal prolapse; or
if you are dehydrated.
Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have ever had:
an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium in your blood);
any change in bowel habits that has lasted longer than 2 weeks;
long-term bowel problems;
heart disease; or
stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.
Ask a doctor before using senna if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Some forms of senna are made for use by children. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without the advice of a doctor.
