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Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

Avoid in people with known allergy to coca ( Erythroxylum coca ), its constituents (including cocaine), or members of the Erythroxylaceae family.

Side Effects and Warnings

Note : Avoid use of coca leaf tea and illicit cocaine-containing products; although it is used in specific pharmaceutical preparations, cocaine produced outside of the pharmaceutical industry is illegal in most countries including the United States.

Coca leaves : Chronic chewing of coca leaves may lead to a cycle of malnutrition, tiredness, and illness, as well as dental and skin problems. Increased heart rate and blood pressure have also been noted with use of coca leaf products. Patients that have diabetes or are using diabetic drugs should use coca leaf products cautiously, as they have been reported to increase blood sugar levels. Although coca plant products have been suggested as a source of nutrition, human study suggests that chronic chewing of coca leaves may cause malnutrition.

Cocaine : Heart problems are one of the most common reported side effects of long-term cocaine use or overdose. These may include irregular heartbeats, abnormally fast heart rate, heart attack, stroke, and death. Other common reported side effects of using large amounts of cocaine include restlessness, mood swings, migraines, seizures, hallucinations, and psychosis (mental deterioration). Other problems from long-term cocaine use may include kidney, nose, and skin problems. Patients that also use alcohol or tobacco should avoid using cocaine, because using these together has resulted in increased liver toxicity, irregular heartbeats, heart attack, heart failure, and death.

Coca leaves or cocaine : Patients that have cardiovascular (heart) or blood pressure issues, or those that use drugs that affect blood pressure should avoid using coca leaves or cocaine, as both have increased heart rate and blood pressure. Patients that use stimulants should avoid use of coca leaves or cocaine. Patients that have a known allergy/hypersensitivity to coca ( Erythroxylum coca ), its constituents (including cocaine), or members of the Erythroxylaceae family should avoid use of coca. Patients who are pregnant should avoid using cocaine or coca leaf products, as cocaine use during pregnancy has increased the risk of birth defects, separation of the placenta from the uterus, premature labor, and death of the fetus. Avoid cocaine or coca leaf products in lactating women, as cocaine has been found in breast milk.

Pregnancy and Bre astfeeding

Avoid cocaine or coca leaf products in pregnant women, as cocaine use during pregnancy has increased the risk of birth defects, separation of the placenta from the uterus, premature labor, and death of the fetus. Avoid cocaine in lactating women, as cocaine has been found in breast milk.

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