- Stop for allergic signs or unexplained new symptoms.
- Stop in pregnancy, before surgery or with new medicines.
- Call 999 for severe reactions.
- Keep the jar and batch number for advice and reporting.
Call 999 immediately for these
Swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat; difficulty breathing or swallowing; wheezing; chest pain; collapse or feeling faint; or a sudden severe rash with feeling unwell. These can be signs of a severe allergic reaction or another emergency.
Stop and seek advice for these
| Symptom | Who to contact |
|---|---|
| Rash, itching or hives | Pharmacist or GP |
| Persistent stomach pain, vomiting or diarrhoea | GP or NHS 111 |
| Dizziness, palpitations | GP or NHS 111 |
| Changes in urination or swelling | GP |
| Unusual tiredness, yellowing of skin or eyes | GP promptly |
| Any new, unexplained symptom | Pharmacist or GP |
Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine or pale stools can indicate liver problems and need prompt medical assessment, whatever the cause.
Stop in these situations
- Pregnancy or trying to conceiveSee pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Before surgeryAs your team advises; see surgery.
- Starting new medicinesUntil a pharmacist has checked; see interactions.
- A new diagnosisEspecially kidney, liver or immune conditions; see conditions.
- Cancer treatmentUntil your oncology team agrees; see cancer research.
Stop if the product seems wrong
Stop using a jar that shows mould, smells sour or rotten, has a broken seal on arrival, or doesn’t match its description or batch documentation. Contact the seller with the batch number and photos; see checking your delivery and consumer rights.
What to do after stopping
- Keep the jar, label and batch numberYour doctor and the seller may need them.
- Note your symptomsWhen they started and how they changed.
- Seek advicePharmacist, GP or NHS 111.
- Report itMHRA Yellow Card or the Food Standards Agency.[1]
Restarting after stopping
After an allergic reaction, don’t restart. After a mild effect such as stomach upset, some people try again later with food and a smaller serving within the label amount; if the effect returns, stop for good. After a pause for pregnancy, surgery or new medicines, restart only when the relevant professional agrees, and go back to the label serving rather than catching up.
Don’t dismiss slow, vague changes
Some problems, such as those linked to long-term metal exposure, develop slowly and cause vague symptoms like tiredness or aches. It is easy to attribute these to other causes. If you have taken shilajit for a long time and notice gradual changes, mention it to your GP; see long-term use.
Pharmacists are a good first stop
For non-urgent symptoms, a community pharmacist can advise without an appointment, help you decide whether you need to see a GP, and check whether the symptom could relate to shilajit or another product you take. Bring the jar or a photo of the label.
When your medicines change
Whenever a new medicine is started, a dose changes or a medicine is stopped, pause and check whether shilajit is still appropriate. Interactions haven’t been studied, so a change in medicines is a good moment to ask a pharmacist; see interactions.
Keep a simple record
A note of when you started shilajit, the product and batch, and any symptoms makes advice and reporting much easier.
Putting it into practice
Keep this page bookmarked. If you notice anything new after starting shilajit, stop, keep the jar and batch number, and speak to a pharmacist or GP. Call 999 for severe symptoms, and report suspected reactions so others benefit from what you experienced.
Stopping for tests and procedures
Some hospital tests and procedures, such as certain scans, endoscopies or blood tests, may come with instructions about supplements. Follow any instructions you receive, and mention shilajit when booking, so the team can tell you whether to pause it. When in doubt, ask in advance rather than on the day. A short call to the department beforehand can save a postponed appointment and gives the team time to advise you properly and plan around it.
The bottom line
Stop shilajit for any allergic sign or unexplained new symptom, and in pregnancy, before surgery or when your health or medicines change. Call 999 for severe symptoms, keep the jar and batch number, and report suspected reactions.
Frequently asked questions
When should I stop taking shilajit?
For allergic signs or new unexplained symptoms, and in pregnancy, before surgery, or when starting new medicines or after a new diagnosis.
What symptoms need emergency help?
Swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, chest pain or collapse. Call 999.
Should I stop shilajit if I feel dizzy?
Yes. Stop and seek advice from a GP or NHS 111, especially if you take blood pressure medicines.
What does yellowing of the skin mean?
It can indicate liver problems and needs prompt medical assessment.
Should I keep the jar after stopping?
Yes, with the label and batch number, for your doctor, the seller and any report.
Can I restart after a side effect?
Not after an allergic reaction. After mild effects, some people retry with food; stop for good if it recurs.
How do I report a reaction?
Via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme or the Food Standards Agency.[1]
Should I stop if the jar looks mouldy?
Yes. Discard it and contact the seller with the batch number.
Sources & further reading
Primary research, regulators and standards bodies are cited first. A source being listed here does not mean it supports every claim made by sellers; it supports the specific statement it is attached to.
- Food Standards Agency. How to report a food safety or hygiene issue for members of the public. GOV.UK, 2026. View source (opens in a new tab) [Regulator guidance]