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Side Effects, Allergic Reactions & Reporting

Side effects, allergic reactions and reporting for natural remedies: stop and contact your provider, when to call emergency services, and how to report a problem to the FDA safety reporting portal.

Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.

If you have a side effect

  • Follow the label. If you have side effects, stop taking the supplement and contact your health care provider. You may also contact the manufacturer. [1]
  • Tell your pharmacist and prescriber, especially if you take medicines. [2]

When to call for emergency help

If the person has collapsed, has a seizure, trouble breathing or cannot be woken, call your emergency number. [3] Swelling of the face or throat, hives with trouble breathing or fainting after a remedy can be a severe allergic reaction; call your emergency number. Allergic reactions, including severe ones, are listed for some remedies, for example garlic. [4] If you may have taken too much or swallowed something harmful, see Poisoning: what to do first.

Liver symptoms

Fatigue, nausea, poor appetite, dark urine or jaundice after a supplement: stop and talk to your provider. [5] See Liver safety.

Reporting a problem (United States)

  • FDA tracks side effects reported by consumers, supplement companies and others. You can report safety concerns about a dietary supplement through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Safety Reporting Portal. [1]
  • FDA's Food and Cosmetics Information Center: 1-888-SAFEFOOD (1-888-723-3366). [6]
  • MedWatch is FDA's reporting program for medicines, devices, cosmetics and cannabinoid hemp products such as CBD. [7]
  • Keep the product, its label and lot number.

Reporting outside the US

We did not verify reporting systems in other countries. Ask a pharmacist or your national health authority.

Frequently asked questions

Should I stop a supplement if I get side effects?

NIH advises stopping and contacting your provider. [1]

References

  1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Using Dietary Supplements Wisely. Read 2026-10-22.
  2. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Know the Science: Talk With Your Health Care Providers. Read 2026-10-22.
  3. Poison Control (America's Poison Centers). First aid: Act fast! and Need immediate assistance?. Read 2026-10-22. Help line 1-800-222-1222.
  4. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Garlic: Usefulness and Safety. Read 2026-10-22.
  5. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Turmeric: Usefulness and Safety. Read 2026-10-22.
  6. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Information for Consumers on Using Dietary Supplements. Read 2026-10-22.
  7. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program. Read 2026-10-22.
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.