Wheat Germ Extract

• Wheat germ extract suggested uses include certain cancers, especially colorectal cancer.
• Small clinical trials of wheat germ extract showed significant improvement in progression-free and overall survival (Br J Cancer 89, 465-469: 2003) and absence of metastases (Hepato-Gastroenterology 47, 393-395:2000) in colorectal cancer patients compared to control groups.
• Other studies of wheat germ extract indicate survival benefit in melanoma and quality-of-life improvement in breast cancer.
• Wheat germ extract is approved in Hungary as a medical nutriment.
• Wheat germ extract is available under the following different brand names: Avemar.

Dosages of Wheat Germ Extract:

• See package label

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

• 9 g orally once daily
• Greater than 90 kg: 9 g orally twice daily

Administration

• Mix powder in 150 mL water or other liquid not containing vitamin C
• Take 1 hour before meals

Side effects of Wheat Germ Extract include:

• Soft stools
• Nausea
• Diarrhea

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Wheat Germ Extract has no listed severe interactions with other drugs.
• Wheat Germ Extract has no listed serious interactions with other drugs.
• Moderate interactions of wheat germ extract include:
  • ascorbic acid
  • rose hips
• Mild interactions of wheat germ extract include:
  • tamoxifen

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your physician if you have health questions or concerns.

Warnings

• This medication contains wheat germ extract. Do not take Avemar if you are allergic to wheat germ extract or any ingredients contained in this drug.
• Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy, lactation
• Malabsorption syndrome, gastrointestinal ulcers, celiac sprue, gluten sensitivity
• Patients undergoing transplants
• Inherited fructose intolerance
• Hypersensitivity

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information is available.

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Wheat Germ Extract?"

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Wheat Germ Extract?"

Cautions

• Give only when a patient has been able to take food orally without complications for at least 4 days
• Give other medicinal products or supplements at least 2 hours apart (especially vitamin C)

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Avoid the use of wheat germ extract during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.