What is it?

GLA is an abbreviation for Gamma-linoleic acid which is an essential fatty acid that is used as a supplement for alcoholism, asthma, high cholesterol. It may also be used to treat diabetes, eczema, high blood pressure, fibrocystic breast disease, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma.

Other names for GLA include: Gamma-Linoleic Acid, Fatty Acid, Omega-6 Fatty Acid, EPO, and Evening Primrose Oil.

Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you need more information about this medicine or if any information in this leaflet concerns you.

Before Using:

Tell your doctor if you

• are taking medicine or are allergic to any medicine (prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) or dietary supplement)
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine
• are breastfeeding
• have any other health problems, such as high blood pressure or heart or blood vessel disease

Dosage:

Talk with your caregiver about how much GLA you should take. The amount depends on the strength of the medicine and the reason you are taking GLA. If you are using this medicine without instructions from your caregiver, follow the directions on the medicine bottle. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than the directions tell you to.

To store this medicine:

Keep all medicine locked up and away from children. Store medicine away from heat and direct light. Do not store your medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down and not work the way it should work. Throw away medicine that is out of date or that you do not need. Never share your medicine with others.

Warnings:

• Before taking GLA, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Side Effects:

Stop taking your medicine right away and talk to your doctor if you have any of the following side effects. Your medicine may be causing these symptoms which may mean you are allergic to it.

• Breathing problems or tightness in your throat or chest
• Chest pain
• Skin hives, rash, or itchy or swollen skin

Other Side Effects:

You may have the following side effects, but this medicine may also cause other side effects. Tell your doctor if you have side effects that you think are caused by this medicine.

• Mild stomach upset, diarrhea, gas (28)

References:

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13. Wright S, Burton JL: Oral evening-primrose-seed oil improves atopic eczema. Lancet 1982;Nov 20:1120-1122.

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18. Mills DE, Summers MR & Ward RP: Gamma-linoleic acid attenuates cardiovascular responses to stress in borderline hypertensive rats. Lipids 1985;20(9);573-577.

19. Simpson LO, Shand BI, Olds RJ et al: Dietary supplementation with Efamol and multiple sclerosis. New Zea Med J 1985;98(792):1053-1054.

20. Field EJ, Joyce G: Multiple sclerosis: Effect of gamma-linolenate administration upon membranes and the need for extended clinical trials of unsaturated fatty acids. Eur Neurol 1983;22:78.

21. Field EJ, Joyce G: Effect of prolonged ingestion of gamma-linolenate by multiple sclerosis patients. Eur Neurol 1978;17:67-76.

22. Horrobin DF, & Phil D: the role of essential fatty acids and prostaglandins in the premenstrual syndrome. J Reprod Med 1983;28(7):465-468.

23. Puolakka J, Makarainen L, Viinikka L et al: Biochemical and clinical effect of treating the premenstrual syndrome with prostaglandin synthesis precursors. J Reprod med 1985;39(3):149-153.

24. Brush MG: Evening primrose oil in the treatment of the premenstrual syndrome. In: Horrobin DF (ed): Clinical uses of essential fatty acids. Eden Press, Montreal, Canada; 1982:155-162.

25. Hansen TM, Lerche A, Kassis V et al: Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with prostaglandin E1 precursors cis-linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid. Scan J Rheum 1983;12:85-88.

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30. Belch JJF, Shaw B, O'Dowd et al: Evening primrose oil (Efamol) in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon: a double blind study. Thromb Haemost 1985;54(2): 490-494.

31. Soma M, Manku MS & Horrobin DF: The effects of hydrogenated coconut oil, safflower oil and evening primrose oil on development of hypertension and sodium handling in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 1985;63:325-330.

31. Strong AMM et al: The effect of oral linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid (Dfamol). Br J Clin Pract 1985; Nov/Dec: 444.