Anas Barbariae: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Anas barbariae is a homeopathic preparation made from the heart and liver of wild duck. Oscillococcinum (Anas barbariae) is a patented product, manufactured by Boiron Laboratories.

Homeopathic products are extreme dilutions of active ingredients. They are often so diluted that they don't contain any active medicine. The basic principles are "like treats like" and "potentiation through dilution." For example, the flu would be treated with an extreme dilution of a substance that causes flu-like symptoms.

People use Anas barbariae for flu-like symptoms, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Homeopathic products have been permitted for sale in the US by the FDA since 1938. But homeopathic products are not held to safety and effectiveness standards the way that conventional medicines are.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Anas Barbariae overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Anas barbariae (Oscillococcinum, Boiron Laboratories) is possibly safe when taken three times daily for up to 3 days. This is a homeopathic product that does not contain any active ingredient. Most experts believe that homeopathic products will have no beneficial effects. But there are concerns about possible side effects or interactions. For example, rare cases of severe swelling, including swelling of the tongue, and headache have been reported after taking Anas barbariae (Oscillococcinum).

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Anas barbariae is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. But it is a homeopathic product that contains no active ingredient. Therefore, this product is not expected to cause any beneficial or harmful effects.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Anas Barbariae overview.

Dosing

Anas barbariae (Oscillococcinum, Boiron Laboratories) has most often been used for flu-like symptoms. Typically for adults, one tube (200 globules) is taken under the tongue at the start of symptoms, and then up to three times daily for up to 3 days. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

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Papp R, Schuback G, Beck E, et al. Oscillococcinum in patients with influenza-like syndromes: a placebo-controlled double-blind evaluation. British Homoeopathic Journal 1998;87:69-76.

Ferley JP, Zmirou D, D'Adhemar D, et al. A controlled evaluation of a homoeopathic preparation in the treatment of influenza-like syndromes. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1989;27:329-35.

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Vickers, A. J. and Smith, C. Homoeopathic Oscillococcinum for preventing and treating influenza and influenza-like syndromes. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2004;(1):CD001957.

Vickers, A. and Smith, C. WITHDRAWN: Homoeopathic Oscillococcinum for preventing and treating influenza and influenza-like syndromes. Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev. 2009;(3):CD001957.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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Anas Barbariae - Uses, Side Effects, and More