Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/vHPivGIBS9Q This week the  FDA released warnings that vinpocetine, available in the USA over-the-counter as a dietary supplement and around the world as the prescription drug Cavinton, can harm a developing baby causing miscarriage or birth defects.   Vinpocetine is readily available online via Amazon and other outlets.  It is also called Periwinkle Liquid Extract. Vinpocetine has been touted as a help for dementia, age-related macular degeneration, hearing loss, tinnitus, hot flashes, seizures, chronic fatigue syndrome, and even bed-wetting.  As is the case for all drugs marketed as food supplements, it has not undergone rigorous testing, and claims of its effectiveness for any of these problems are unproven. All women of child-bearing age should avoid using Vinpocetine.  All of you should think twice about regularly using dietary supplements because lax regulations offer no guarantee of safety or effectiveness. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/statement-warning