What is Echinaforce Hot Drink?
Echinaforce Hot Drink is a herbal remedy for cold and flu symptoms that can be made up into a deliciously comforting hot drink. If you love using herbal remedies to treat your illnesses, the traditionally used echinacea in this product could be the ideal choice for you.
What symptoms will I get if I have a cold or the flu?
If you have a cold or the flu, you’ll probably experience a range of similar symptoms, although they’ll usually appear much more quickly if you have the flu. The most common cold and flu symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Coughs
- A blocked or runny nose
- A sore throat
- Headaches
- Pressure in your sinuses
- Muscular aches
- A high temperature or fever
How will the echinacea in this Echinaforce Hot Drink help to ease my cold and flu symptoms?
Each 5ml dose of Echinaforce Hot Drink contains 1,200mg of echinacea extracts. Echinacea is a herbal remedy that’s traditionally used to reduce cold and flu symptoms. It is thought to work by supporting your immune system, helping your body to fight off an illness from the first signs of a cold.
Can I drink this product if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Echinaforce Hot Drink is not suitable for use when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. If you have a cold or the flu during pregnancy, speak to your doctor or pharmacist so they can recommend a more suitable treatment for you.
Can I take this product if I’m taking other medication?
If you’re taking any other medication, including those obtained without a prescription and herbal remedies, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product. Do not drink Echinaforce if you are already taking:
- Treatment to reduce the response of your immune system, e.g. chemotherapy, radiotherapy
- Ciclosporin, methotrexate, or any other immunosuppressant medication
How to make this hot drink
To make this product, fill the 5ml measuring spoon provided with the Echinaforce solution. Pour into a cup or mug, add hot water, and stir well. For the first 3 days, take one 5ml dose five times a day. For days 4 – 10, take one 5ml dose 3 times a day. For best results, begin taking this product at the first signs of a cold. Do not take for more than 10 days at a time.
When should this product not be used?
Echinaforce Hot Drink is not suitable for use in children under the age of 12. Do not use this product if you are allergic to echinacea, any other plants in the daisy family, or any of the other listed ingredients. Do not take this product if you have
- A tendency to experience allergies such as hives, eczema, or asthma
- Had an organ or bone marrow transplant
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Sarcoidosis, which is a connective tissue disease disorder
- Autoimmune disease, e.g. multiple sclerosis, collagenoses
- HIV, AIDS, or any other condition which may affect your immune system
- A disorder which affects your white blood cells, e.g. leukaemia, agranulocytosis
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you have:
- Intolerance to some sugars, as this product contains sucrose
- Have alcoholism, as this product contains a small amount of ethanol (alcohol), with less than 100mg per dose
Does Echinaforce Hot Drink have any side effects?
Like all medications, Echinaforce Hot Drink can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them. If you experience any of the following side effects while using this product you may be experiencing an allergic reaction and should stop use and seek immediate medical assistance:
- Skin rash
- Red, itchy spots, or hives
- Swelling of the skin or face
- Blistering of the skin and mucous membranes, e.g. inside the nostrils and mouth
- Difficulty breathing
- Asthma or anaphylactic shock
Other side effects you may experience include:
- Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord
- Painful lumps on the shins
- Low blood platelet count
- Destruction of blood cells by antibodies, also known as Evans Syndrome
- Dryness in the mouth and eyes with renal tubular dysfunction, also known as Sjogren Syndrome
- A decrease in the number of white blood cells in long-term use
If you experience these or any other side effects while using this product, stop use and speak to your doctor or pharmacist right away. For more information about reporting the side effects of medication, please see the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme.
How to store this product
Store in a cool, dry place which is below 25 degrees C. Once opened use within one month. Do not use this product if the expiry date printed on the original packaging has passed. Keep out of sight and reach of children.
Important information
This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk
If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.
Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.
Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.
Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.
Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction
For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here.
If you are concerned about addiction to 'over the counter' medication, we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:
Find similar products
Advice & Guides
10 ways to avoid catching the office cold
You can’t get sick. You tell yourself this every year as you’re stocking up on vitamin C and hand sanitiser gel, you absolutely cannot get sick. And yet you do.
That's why we’ve asked our very own registered pharmacist, Shamir Patel, for some tips and tricks that will help you to make it through the winter months without catching the office cold.
Do I have hay fever or a cold?
It’s the middle of summer and you’re sniffing and sneezing and, frankly, feeling a bit gross.
But what’s going on here? Have you picked up an uncomfortable Summer cold, or are you suffering with hay fever?
There are a couple of ways to figure out what’s giving you the sneezes and the coughs, so let’s take a look at each condition and how you can tell them apart.
What are the best cold and flu medicines for me?
When you feel the effects of the common cold or flu, which you will as there’s no cure and it is contagious, you will be looking for relief from the symptoms. These include a blocked or a runny nose, a sore throat, sneezing, a headache, a raised temperature, or a cough. The good news is, there is a wide range of treatments out there that will help provide relief for these symptoms and help you get over the cold or flu.
