Association with auto-immune diseases has been reported such as:

-    inflammation of the brain and spinal cord (disseminated encephalitis).

-    painful lumps on the shins (erythema nodum).

-    low blood platelet count (immunothrombocytopenia).

-    destruction of blood cells by antibodies (Evans syndrome).

-    dryness in the mouth and eye with kidney tubular dysfunction (Sjogren Syndrome).

A decrease in the number of white blood cells (leucopenia) may occur in long term use ( more than 8 weeks).

If these persist or become troublesome stop taking the product.

If you notice any other side effects after taking Ekinalife, please inform your doctor or pharmacist.

5 How to store this product

Do not use the capsules after the expiry date.

The expiry date is printed on the bottle label and carton.

The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

Return any unused capsules to your pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

Store below 25°C in the original package.

Keep all medicines out of reach and sight of children.

6 Further information

Each hard capsule of Ekinalife contains the following active herbal ingredient:

200mg of Echinacea pallida root (Echinacea pallida. Nutt.) and 200mg of Echinacea purpurea root (Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench.)

The capsule shell is made from hypromellose. The capsules are hard, clear, oblong and contain a dark brown powder.

Each bottle of Ekinalife contains 60 or 120 capsules.

For large prints, Braille or audio version please contact +44 (0) 1634 290115.

This leaflet was produced in July 2011.

ECHINACEA PALLIDA ROOT 200mg ECHINACEA PURPUREA ROOT 200mg

1	What is in this leaflet What Ekinalife is and what it is used for	Page 2
2	Before you take Ekinalife	Page 2
3	How to take Ekinalife	Page 3
4	Side effects	Page 4
5	How to store this product	Page 5
6	Further information	Page 6

1    What is Ekinalife and what it is used for

Ekinalife is a traditional herbal medicinal product used to relieve the symptoms of the common cold and influenza type infections, based on traditional use only.

2    Before you take Ekinalife

Do not take if you:

-    are allergic Echinacea or products from the same plant family (Asteraceae/Compositae) such as daisies, marigolds or artichokes.

-    are allergic to any of the other ingredients (see section 6).

-    are under 12 years of age.

-    suffer from frequent allergic reactions such as hives (urticaria), eczema, asthma.

-    suffer from the infection tuberculosis.

-    suffer from connective tissue disease with formation of clumps of cells (sarcoidosis) mainly occurring in the lymph nodes, lungs and liver.

-    suffer from auto-immune diseases such as inflammation of the connective tissues (collagenosis) or multiple sclerosis.

-    suffer from conditions which decrease your natural response to infection (e.g. HIV infection or AIDS).

-    suffer from blood disorders involving the white blood cell system such as low white cell count due to bone marrow disorders (agranulocytosis) or blood cell cancer (leukemias).

-    are already taking immunosuppressant medication such as ciclosporin or methotrexate.

-    are on therapy to reduce your natural response to infection (immunosuppression e.g. chemotherapy or radiotherapy for cancer, history of organ or bone marrow transplant).

Take special care with this product:

-    if there is a family history of allergic reactions.

-    because Echinacea can trigger auto-immune diseases.

Taking other medicines

Please tell your doctor or phamacist if you are taking any other m ed icines before taking this product.

Pregnant and breastfeeding

Do not take this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding because there is no evidence that it is safe to do so.

3 How to take Ekinalife

If your symptoms of the common cold or influenza type infections persist for more than 10 days whilst taking this product, consult your doctor or qualified healthcare practitioner.

If you take too much Ekinalife (overdose)

If you take more than the recommended dose, see a doctor, pharmacist or qualified healthcare practitioner and take this leaflet with you.

If you forget to take Ekinalife

Continue to take your usual dose at the usual time; it does not matter if you have missed a dose.

If you are unsure about anything relating to Ekinalife

If you have any questions, or are unsure about anything, please ask your doctor, pharmacist or qualified healthcare practitioner.

4 Side effects

Like all medicines this product may have side effects.

The frequency is not known.

Possible side effects are:

-    Allergic reactions such as swelling, hives or rashes.

-    Swelling of the skin due to fluid.

-    Swelling of the facial area (Quincke's oedema)

-    Shrinking of the airways of the lungs with obstruction (bronchospasm)

-    Asthma and life threatening reactions (anaphylactic shock).

Echinacea can trigger allergic reactions in patients who have a tendency to allergic reactions. Stop taking the product immediately if you experience an allergic reaction.

Continued...