FemiCore Side Effects, Interactions and Who Should Avoid It

Possible side effects by ingredient

Because FemiCore uses small blends, side effects may be milder than with full doses of each herb. But since the individual amounts are not disclosed, we can’t say how much of each you are getting.

Drug interactions

Berberine and metformin (and other medicines)

NCCIH reports that in one NIH-funded study, healthy adults who took goldenseal (an herb whose main active compound is berberine) with metformin had metformin levels “decreased about 25 percent,” which could affect blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. Berberine itself is studied for lowering blood sugar, so combining it with diabetes medicines could also add to their effect. NCCIH describes goldenseal as having several possible drug interactions and advises talking with a health care provider before using it with any medicine. If you take any prescription medicine, ask your pharmacist before starting FemiCore.

Cranberry and warfarin

NCCIH says “there is conflicting evidence about whether cranberry interacts with the anticoagulant (blood thinner) warfarin.” If you take warfarin or another blood thinner, talk to your doctor first.

Probiotics and immune-suppressing treatments

NCCIH warns that the risk of harmful effects from probiotics “is greater in people with severe illnesses or compromised immune systems.” This includes people having chemotherapy, taking immune-suppressing drugs after a transplant, or with a central line. Don’t take FemiCore in these situations without your specialist’s approval.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

FemiCore’s label already says pregnant or nursing women should consult a physician. We go further and do not recommend FemiCore during pregnancy or breastfeeding:

• Berberine: NCCIH states that “the berberine constituent of goldenseal can be harmful to newborns” and that pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid goldenseal.
• Bearberry: the European herbal monograph says it should be avoided during pregnancy and is not recommended during breastfeeding.
• Cranberry: in the Cochrane review, cranberry did not reduce UTIs in pregnant women.
• Mimosa pudica: animal research reports antifertility activity; if you are trying to conceive, ask your doctor.

Kidney problems

The European monograph lists kidney disorders as a contraindication for bearberry. Anyone with kidney disease should avoid FemiCore unless their kidney specialist approves.

Under 18

The label says children under 18 should consult a physician, and the bearberry monograph says use under 18 “is not recommended.” FemiCore is marketed to adult women.

Long-term use

The label suggests daily use without a time limit. The European bearberry monograph says not to use bearberry for more than one week and to see a doctor if symptoms last more than four days. FemiCore’s bearberry dose is unknown and probably small, but the safety of taking it every day for months has not been studied. Discuss duration with your doctor. Bearberry details.

Liver safety

LiverTox reports “no convincing published instances of clinically apparent liver injury attributed to uva ursi.” For berberine, the umbrella review describes it as generally safe, mainly with digestive side effects. If you have liver disease, ask your doctor anyway, especially if you take other medicines.

Quality and contamination

NCCIH notes that some probiotic products “have been reported to contain microorganisms other than those listed on the label.” Supplements are not approved by the FDA before sale; manufacturers are responsible for their own safety and labeling. FemiCore’s label shows GMP and “FDA registered facility” badges, but we have not seen third-party test results. Buy only from the seller’s checkout and do not use the product if the safety seal is damaged.

Allergies and sensitivities

The capsule is gelatin, and the other ingredients include brown rice flour and olive oil. If you have allergies to any listed ingredient, or to plants in the heath family (bearberry, cranberry), check with your doctor.

When to stop immediately

• Signs of allergy: rash, swelling, difficulty breathing (seek emergency care).
• Fever, burning urination, pain in the back or side, or blood in urine.
• Persistent vomiting, stomach pain or diarrhea.
• Any unusual symptom after starting.

Bottom line

For healthy, non-pregnant adult women who take no interacting medicines, FemiCore’s side-effect risk is likely low but not zero. Berberine’s drug interactions and bearberry’s short-term limit are the two issues to discuss with a clinician before you order.

Frequently asked questions

Keep learning

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. FemiCore is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information on this page is for education only. If you have bladder symptoms such as pain, blood in the urine, fever or sudden changes, see a health care professional.