Overview

Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic product that is commonly used to treat symptoms of the flu. However, its benefits are not well defined. If you have the flu and are having chest pain or trouble breathing, get medical attention right away. If you are taking oscillococcinum to treat the flu and have a fever that does not go away or are not able to keep any fluids down, speak with a health care provider.

Uses

What is oscillococcinum used for?

Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic product that is commonly used to treat symptoms of the flu, but its benefits are not well defined.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed oscillococcinum for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about homeopathic products here.

How does oscillococcinum work (mechanism of action)?

Oscillococcinum is made from the heart and liver of wild duck (Anas barbariae). Products that contain oscillococcinum may list this ingredient as “Anas barbariae hepatis et cordis extractum.”

Oscillococcinum is a type of homeopathic product, which is claimed to work best when very low doses are used. This means that oscillococcinum products are extremely diluted. To make oscillococcinum, an extract of wild duck heart and liver is shaken vigorously. It is then poured out of the container, and a water-alcohol mixture is poured in. The container is then shaken again. This process is repeated 200 times to produce a “200CK” dilution. Once these dilutions are complete, there is no measurable amount of oscillococcinum left in the product.

Oscillococcinum is commonly used to treat symptoms of the flu. But its benefits for this use are not well defined. If you have the flu and are having chest pain or trouble breathing, get medical attention right away. It is also important to speak with a health care provider if your symptoms get worse, you have a fever that does not go away, or you are not able to drink fluids without vomiting.

How should I store oscillococcinum?

You should store oscillococcinum according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of oscillococcinum?

Oscillococcinum seems to be well tolerated. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of oscillococcinum that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of oscillococcinum?

While less common, the most serious side effects of oscillococcinum are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Oscillococcinum may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking oscillococcinum and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Precautions

Who should not use oscillococcinum?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take oscillococcinum.

• Anas barbariae hepatis et cordis extractum
• Oscillococcinum
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific oscillococcinum products they stock.

What should I know about oscillococcinum before using it?

Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic product. Keep oscillococcinum out of the reach of children.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

There is no evidence that oscillococcinum can help prevent the flu. If you are concerned about getting the flu, it is important to use proven flu prevention methods. These include getting enough sleep, eating well, washing your hands, and avoiding people who are sick. You can also speak to your health care provider about the annual flu vaccine.

Oscillococcinum is commonly used to treat symptoms of the flu, but its benefits are not well defined. Other medicines that are available over the counter may be helpful for managing your symptoms.

You should stop using oscillococcinum and speak with a health care provider if you have a rash, dry cough, vomiting, or diarrhea. You should also speak with a health care provider if your symptoms get worse or do not get better within three days, you have a fever that does not go away, or you are not able to keep any fluids down without vomiting. If you are having chest pain or trouble breathing, get medical attention right away.

Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic product that does not contain a measurable amount of its original ingredients. But some homeopathic products have been found to contain larger amounts than expected or listed on the label. These large amounts may cause side effects. The FDA has not tested oscillococcinum products to confirm that they contain the ingredients or amounts stated on their labels. Learn more about the risks of homeopathic products here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using oscillococcinum?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if oscillococcinum is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how oscillococcinum could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if oscillococcinum passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does oscillococcinum interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between oscillococcinum and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect oscillococcinum.

Does oscillococcinum interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between oscillococcinum and medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between oscillococcinum and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with oscillococcinum is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking oscillococcinum with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much oscillococcinum?

If you or someone else has used too much oscillococcinum, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to take oscillococcinum safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.