Milk thistle and Zemplar

• Generic Name: milk thistle
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names:

Milk thistle is a plant also known as Artichaut Sauvage, Cardo Lechoso, Cardui Mariae, Carduus marianus, Chardon Argenté, Chardon de Marie, Épine Blanche, Holy Thistle, Lady's Thistle, Lait de Notre-Dame, Legalon, Marian Thistle, Mariendistel, Mary Thistle, Shui Fei Ji, Silibinin, Silybe de Marie, Silybum, Silymarin, and other names.

Milk thistle has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating heartburn, or seasonal allergy symptoms. Milk thistle may have been combined with other plants or extracts in a specific preparation to treat these conditions.

Other uses not proven with research have included treating malaria, mushroom poisoning, spleen or gallbladder problems, menstrual problems, liver problems (such as hepatitis B or C), and other conditions.

It is not certain whether milk thistle is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Milk thistle should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Milk thistle is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Milk thistle may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

• Generic Name: paricalcitol
• Dosage Forms: capsule, liquid filled
• Other Brand Names: Zemplar

Zemplar (paricalcitol) is a synthetic (man-made) form of vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium from the stomach and for the functioning of calcium in the body.

Zemplar is used to treat or prevent overactive parathyroid gland (hyperparathyroidism) in people with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis.

Zemplar oral capsules are for use in adults and children at least 10 years old. The injection is for use in adults and children at least 5 years old.