Two capsules contain: Vitamin D (D3, as cholecalciferol) 800 IU • Devil's Claw root extract (standardized for 5% harpagosides [48 mg]) 960 mg • Willow Bark extract (salix purpurea l., standardized for 15% total salicin [37.5 mg]) 250 mg. Other Ingredients: Rice Flour, Gelatin, Magnesium Stearate. Contains: Soybeans.
Brand name products often contain multiple ingredients. To read detailed information about each ingredient, click on the link for the individual ingredient shown above.
Below is general information about the effectiveness of the known ingredients contained in the product Botanic Choice Back Formula. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
Below is general information about the safety of the known ingredients contained in the product Botanic Choice Back Formula. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately. Devil's claw extract has been used with apparent safety in doses of up to 2400 mg daily for up 12 weeks (6472,8608,14332,14418,47112,47114,47116,47117,47155). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of devil's claw when used orally long-term or when used topically.
PREGNANCY: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that devil's claw has oxytocic effects in humans. Also, in vitro research shows that moderate to high doses of devil's claw root extract induce contractions of isolated uterine muscle from pregnant and nonpregnant rats (94689); avoid using.
LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally or intramuscularly and appropriately. Vitamin D has been safely used in a wide range of doses (7555,16888,16891,17476,95913,98186,104619,105209,109059). When used orally long-term, doses should not exceed the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 4000 IU (100 mcg) daily for adults (17506,99773); however, much higher doses such as 50,000 IU (1250 mcg) weekly orally for 6-12 weeks are often needed for the short-term treatment of vitamin D deficiency (16891,17476). Monthly oral doses of up to 60,000 IU (1500 mcg) have also been safely used for up to 5 years (105726). Toxicity usually does not occur until plasma levels exceed 150 ng/mL (17476).
POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when used orally in excessive doses, long-term. Taking doses greater than the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 4000 IU (100 mcg) daily for long periods can increase the risk of hypercalcemia (17506); however, much higher doses are often needed for short-term treatment of vitamin D deficiency. Toxicity typically occurs when levels exceed 150 ng/mL (17476).
CHILDREN: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately.
When used long-term, doses should not exceed the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 1000 IU (25 mcg) daily for those 0-6 months of age, 1500 IU (37.5 mcg) daily for those 6-12 months of age, 2500 IU (62.5 mcg) daily for those 1-3 years of age, 3000 IU (75 mcg) daily for those 4-8 years of age, and 4000 IU (100 mcg) daily for those 9 years and older (17506); however, much higher doses are often needed for the short-term treatment of vitamin D deficiency. Some research shows that giving vitamin D 14,000 IU (350 mcg) weekly for a year in children aged 10-17 years is safe (16875). A meta-analysis of clinical studies shows that 1000 IU (25 mcg) daily in those up to a year of age and greater than 2000 IU (50 mcg) daily in those aged 1-6 years does not increase the risk of serious adverse events (108424).
CHILDREN: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally in excessive doses for longer than one year.
Taking doses greater than the tolerable upper intake level (UL) long-term can increase the risk of hypercalcemia (17506).
PREGNANCY: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately.
Vitamin D is safe when used in doses below the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 4000 IU (100 mcg) daily (17506,95910).
PREGNANCY: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally in excessive amounts.
Tell patients not to use doses above the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 4000 IU (100 mcg) daily. Hypercalcemia during pregnancy due to excessive vitamin D intake can lead to several fetal adverse effects, including suppression of parathyroid hormone, hypocalcemia, tetany, seizures, aortic valve stenosis, retinopathy, and mental and/or physical developmental delay (17506).
LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately.
Vitamin D is safe when used in doses below the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 4000 IU (100 mcg) daily (17506).
LACTATION: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally in excessive amounts.
Tell patients not to use doses above the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 4000 IU (100 mcg) daily (17506).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately, short-term. Willow bark has been used safely for up to 12 weeks (6456,12474,12475,12804,12811,86473,91406).
CHILDREN: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally for viral infections.
Salicylic acid and aspirin are contraindicated in children with viral infections (12801). Although Reye's syndrome has not been reported, the salicin constituent in willow bark is similar to aspirin and might pose the same risk.
PREGNANCY:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
LACTATION: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally.
Willow bark contains salicylates which are excreted in breast milk and have been linked to adverse effects in breast-fed infants (12802,12803).
Below is general information about the interactions of the known ingredients contained in the product Botanic Choice Back Formula. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
Theoretically, devil's claw might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C19.
 Details
In vitro research shows that devil's claw might inhibit CYP2C19, although this has not been reported in humans (12479).
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Theoretically, devil's claw might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
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In vitro research shows that devil's claw might inhibit CYP2C9, although this has not been reported in humans (12479).
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Theoretically, devil's claw might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
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In vitro research shows that devil's claw might inhibit CYP3A4, although this has not been reported in humans (12479).
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Theoretically, devil's claw might decrease the effectiveness of H2-blockers.
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Devil's claw has been reported to increase stomach acid, which might interfere with the effects of H2-blockers (19).
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Theoretically, devil's claw might increase levels of P-glycoprotein substrates.
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Theoretically, devil's claw might decrease the effectiveness of PPIs.
Details
Devil's claw has been reported to increase stomach acid, which might interfere with the effects of PPIs (19).
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Theoretically, Devil's claw might increase the activity of warfarin.
Details
In one case report, purpura occurred in a patient taking warfarin and devil's claw concurrently. This might indicate over-anticoagulation (613). It is unclear if this was due to Devil's claw or other contributing factors.
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Vitamin D might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity, but this has only been reported in people with renal failure.
Details
The protein that transports calcium across the intestinal wall can also bind and transport aluminum. This protein is stimulated by vitamin D, which may therefore increase aluminum absorption (11595,11597,22916). This mechanism may contribute to increased aluminum levels and toxicity in people with renal failure, when they take vitamin D and aluminum-containing phosphate binders chronically (11529,11596,11597).
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Vitamin D might reduce absorption of atorvastatin.
Details
A small, low-quality clinical study shows that taking vitamin D reduces levels of atorvastatin and its active metabolites by up to 55%. However, while atorvastatin levels decreased, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels did not substantially change (16828). Atorvastatin is metabolized in the gut by CYP3A4 enzymes, and researchers theorized that vitamin D might induce CYP3A4, causing reduced levels of atorvastatin. However, this proposed mechanism was not specifically studied.
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Taking calcipotriene with vitamin D increases the risk for hypercalcemia.
Details
Calcipotriene is a vitamin D analog used topically for psoriasis. It can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to cause systemic effects, including hypercalcemia (15). Theoretically, combining calcipotriene with vitamin D supplements might increase the risk of hypercalcemia.
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Vitamin D might induce CYP3A4 enzymes and reduce the bioavailability of CYP3A4 substrates.
Details
There is some concern that vitamin D might induce CYP3A4. In vitro research suggests that vitamin D induces CYP3A4 transcription. Additionally, observational research has found that increased UV light exposure and serum vitamin D levels are associated with decreased serum levels of CYP3A4 substrates such as tacrolimus and sirolimus, while no association between UV light exposure or vitamin D levels and levels of mycophenolic acid, a non-CYP3A4 substrate, was found (110539). A small, low-quality clinical study shows that taking vitamin D reduces levels of the CYP3A4 substrate atorvastatin and its active metabolites by up to 55%; however, the clinical effects of atorvastatin were not reduced (16828). While researchers theorized that vitamin D might induce CYP3A4, this proposed mechanism was not specifically studied.
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Theoretically, hypercalcemia induced by high-dose vitamin D can increase the risk of arrhythmia from digoxin.
Details
High doses of vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia increases the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias with digoxin (15). Avoid vitamin D doses above the tolerable upper intake level (4000 IU daily for adults) and monitor serum calcium levels in people taking vitamin D and digoxin concurrently.
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Theoretically, hypercalcemia induced by high-dose vitamin D can reduce the therapeutic effects of diltiazem for arrhythmia.
Details
High doses of vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation (10574). Theoretically this could also occur with diltiazem. Avoid vitamin D doses above the tolerable upper intake level (4000 IU daily for adults) and monitor serum calcium levels in people taking vitamin D and diltiazem concurrently.
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Theoretically, taking thiazide diuretics and high-dose vitamin D can increase the risk of hypercalcemia.
Details
Thiazide diuretics decrease urinary calcium excretion, which could lead to hypercalcemia if vitamin D supplements are taken concurrently (3072,11541,69580). This has been reported in people being treated with vitamin D for hypoparathyroidism, and also in elderly people with normal parathyroid function who were taking a thiazide, vitamin D, and calcium-containing antacids daily (11539,11540).
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Hypercalcemia induced by high-dose vitamin D can reduce the therapeutic effects of verapamil for arrhythmia.
Details
Hypercalcemia due to high doses of vitamin D can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation (10574). Avoid vitamin D doses above the tolerable upper intake level (4000 IU daily for adults) and monitor serum calcium levels in people taking vitamin D and verapamil concurrently.
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Theoretically, willow bark might result in additive adverse effects associated with acetazolamide.
Details
Willow bark contains salicin, a plant salicylate. Human case reports suggests that a combination of acetazolamide and salicylate increases unbound plasma levels of acetazolamide, as well as adverse effects related to acetazolamide (86481).
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Theoretically, willow bark might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs.
Details
Willow bark has antiplatelet effects, but less so than aspirin (12810).
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Theoretically, willow bark might increase the effects and adverse effects of aspirin.
Details
Willow bark contains salicin, a plant salicylate. It might have an additive effect when taken with other salicylate-containing drugs such as aspirin (12808).
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Theoretically, willow bark might increase the effects and adverse effects of choline magnesium trisalicylate.
Details
Willow bark contains salicin, a plant salicylate. It might have an additive effect when taken with other salicylate-containing drugs such as choline magnesium trisalicylate (12808).
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Theoretically, willow bark might increase the effects and adverse effects of salsalate.
Details
Willow bark contains salicin, a plant salicylate. It might have an additive effect when taken with other salicylate-containing drugs such as salsalate (12808).
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Below is general information about the adverse effects of the known ingredients contained in the product Botanic Choice Back Formula. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
General
...Orally, Devil's claw seems to be generally well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Allergic skin reactions, diarrhea, dyspepsia.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Gastrointestinal bleeding.
Cardiovascular ...In one case report, a healthy patient with normal blood pressure presented with hypertension after taking devil's claw 250 mg twice daily for 2 weeks. It gradually resolved after discontinuation of devil's claw (92017). Some animal research shows that devil's claw might have negative chronotropic, as well as positive and negative inotropic, effects (8609). However, these effects have not been documented in humans.
Dermatologic ...Rarely, allergic skin reactions have been reported in patients taking devil's claw (8608,14418).
Endocrine ...In one case report, a 65-year-old female developed psychomotor agitation, nausea, and distress from euvolemic hyponatremia secondary to inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) within 1 month of starting daily treatment with devil's claw. Within 5 days of discontinuing the product and receiving sodium replacement, the symptoms resolved. Two months later, the patient re-initiated devil's claw and again developed euvolemic hyponatremia (96747).
Gastrointestinal ...Gastrointestinal side effects, including mild gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, anorexia, acid reflux, or loss of taste, have been reported in some individuals receiving devil's claw, especially at high doses (6472,8608,8613,14332,14418,47112,47116,47144,47169). Gastrointestinal complaints have been reported in 9% to 18% of patients taking a specific devil's claw extract (Doloteffin, Ardeypharm) (8608,47169), while diarrhea was reported in about 8% of patients taking devil's claw (Harpadol, Arkopharma) (6472). Several cases of gastrointestinal bleeding have been reported (104977).
Genitourinary ...Dysmenorrhea was reported in one patient taking a specific devil's claw extract (Doloteffin, Ardeypharm) for 8 weeks (8608).
Neurologic/CNS ...In a trial of devil's claw, one patient withdrew after 4 days of therapy due to a throbbing frontal headache, as well as tinnitus, anorexia, and loss of taste (8613). Rarely, dizziness, somnolence, and insomnia have been reported (47116,47169). It is unclear if these symptoms were caused by devil's claw.
Psychiatric ...Rarely, anxiety has been reported in patients taking devil's claw (8608).
General
...Orally or intramuscularly, vitamin D is well tolerated.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally or intramuscularly: Excessive doses can lead to vitamin D toxicity with symptoms of hypercalcemia, and also sometimes azotemia and anemia.
Cardiovascular ...Vitamin D intoxication can occur when vitamin D supplements are taken orally in excessive doses. Rarely, people develop hypertension (10142). An analysis of clinical research suggests that, when taken orally, vitamin D might modestly increase levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol. However, it is not clear if this increase is clinically significant (84642).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, vitamin D may cause dry mouth. In clinical research, intake of vitamin D 50,000 IU weekly for 4 weeks followed by 50,000 IU monthly for 5 months thereafter was associated with a 3.7-fold increase in reports of dry mouth compared with placebo (91348).Vitamin D intoxication can occur when vitamin D supplements are taken orally in excessive doses. Symptoms of vitamin D toxicity include pancreatitis (10142,84433). Vomiting occurred in one patient given a single dose of 200,000 IU (104624).
Genitourinary ...Vitamin D intoxication can occur when vitamin D supplements are taken orally in excessive doses. Advanced symptoms may include decreased libido (10142). Vaginal discharge and itching have been reported in a clinical trial following oral use (91348).
Hematologic
...Lab values of urinary and blood calcium, phosphate, albumin, blood urea nitrogen, serum cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase concentrations might increase with vitamin D use, especially with high doses (10142,91349,93943).
A case of elevated international normalized ration (INR) has been reported for an 84 year-old patient who took vitamin D 50,000 IU daily for 2 months. The patient's serum levels of vitamin D increased from <7 ng/mL to 100 ng/mL over 6 months. To resolve symptoms, vitamin D supplementation was discontinued (84433).
Musculoskeletal ...Vitamin D intoxication can occur when vitamin D supplements are taken in excessive doses (10142,17506). Symptoms of vitamin D toxicity include osteoporosis in adults and decreased growth in children (10142).
Ocular/Otic ...Vitamin D intoxication can occur when vitamin D supplements are taken orally in excessive doses (10142,17506). Symptoms of vitamin D toxicity include calcific conjunctivitis and photophobia (10142).
Psychiatric ...Vitamin D intoxication can occur when vitamin D supplements are taken orally in excessive doses (10142,17506). In rare cases, symptoms of vitamin D toxicity include psychosis (10142,93002).
Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Vitamin D intoxication can occur when vitamin D supplements are taken orally in excessive doses. Advanced symptoms of vitamin D toxicity may include runny nose (10142,17506,93002).
Renal ...Vitamin D intoxication can occur when vitamin D supplements are taken orally in excessive doses. Symptoms of vitamin D toxicity include azotemia. Vitamin D may also cause hypercalcemia, with advanced symptoms including kidney stones or kidney insufficiency due to precipitation of calcium phosphate in the tubules. Symptoms of renal impairment include frequency, nighttime awakening to urinate, thirst, inability to concentrate urine, and proteinuria. Renal impairment is usually reversible with discontinuation of vitamin D supplements (10142,93002,93943,110831,110833).
General
...Orally, willow bark seems to be well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Diarrhea, dyspepsia, heartburn, and vomiting. May cause itching and rash in sensitive individuals.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Gastrointestinal bleeding and renal impairment. May cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in people who are allergic to aspirin.
Cardiovascular ...In one clinical trial, a single patient withdrew from the study investigating oral willow bark due to blood pressure instability that the authors determined was 'possibly' related to treatment (12804).
Dermatologic ...Orally, willow bark may cause itching and rash in some people due to allergy (6456,12474,12475,12804,86459).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, willow bark extract can cause gastrointestinal adverse effects, but these appear to be less frequent than those caused by NSAIDs. Examples include diarrhea, heartburn, vomiting, and dyspepsia (12474,12475,12804,86459). In a case report of a child, severe gastrointestinal bleeding occurred following use of a specific syrup (FreddoBaby), which contained ribwort plantain, licorice, willow bark, black elder, meadowsweet, and propolis. The adverse effect was attributed to salicylate content of the syrup. This product has since been withdrawn from the market (86477).
Immunologic ...Orally, willow bark may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in people who are allergic to aspirin (10392)
Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, willow bark may cause headache and dizziness (12804). In a clinical trial evaluating a combination product containing willow bark, black cohosh, sarsaparilla, poplar bark, and guaiac wood (Reumalex), severe headaches occurred (35946).
Ocular/Otic ...Orally, symptoms of allergy to willow bark have included swollen eyes (6456).
Renal ...Salicylates can inhibit prostaglandins, which can reduce renal blood flow (12805). Salicin can cause renal papillary necrosis (12806). The risk for toxicity is greater with high acute doses or chronic use (12805).
