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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
A severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis, has occurred after arginine injections. People with known allergies should avoid arginine. Signs of allergy may include rash, itching, or shortness of breath.
Side Effects and Warnings
Arginine has been well tolerated by most people in studies lasting for up to six months, although there is a possibility of serious side effects in some people.
Stomach discomfort, including nausea, stomach cramps, or an increased number of stools, may occur. People with asthma may experience a worsening of symptoms, which may be related to allergy, if arginine is inhaled.
Other potential side effects include low blood pressure and changes in numerous chemicals and electrolytes in the blood. Examples include high potassium, high chloride, low sodium, low phosphate, high blood urea nitrogen, and high creatinine levels. People with liver or kidney diseases may be especially sensitive to these complications and should avoid using arginine except under medical supervision. After injections of arginine, low back pain, flushing, headache, numbness, restless legs, venous irritation, and death of surrounding tissues have been reported.
In theory, arginine may increase the risk of bleeding. Patients using anticoagulants (blood thinners) or antiplatelet drugs, or with underlying bleeding disorders, should speak with their qualified healthcare providers before using arginine and should be monitored.
Arginine may increase blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients taking prescription drugs to control sugar levels.
Arginine may increase potassium levels, especially in patients with liver disease.
L-arginine may worsen symptoms of sickle cell disease.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Arginine cannot be recommended as a supplement during pregnancy or breastfeeding because there is not enough scientific information available.
L-arginine has been used in pregnant women with high blood pressure (pre-eclampsia) until 10 days after birth, but it should not be used without supervision of an OB/GYN and pharmacist.
NS_patient-arginine
Portions of this document last updated:Sept. 1, 2009
THE NATURAL STANDARD RESEARCH COLLABORATION
(www.naturalstandard.com)
