Saw palmetto Side Effects

Applies to saw palmetto: oral capsule.

Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although not all side effects are known, saw palmetto is thought to be likely safe for most people.

Stop using saw palmetto and call your healthcare provider at once if you have:

easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums);
any bleeding that will not stop;
signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
pancreas problems--severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate; or
liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects may include:

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;
headache, dizziness; or
impotence, sexual problems.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare provider about any unusual or bothersome side effect.