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The major side effect of bitter melon is gastrointestinal discomfort. However, some very serious, isolated events have occurred, including hypoglycemic coma from a tea containing bitter melon. Another syndrome called favism, or hemolytic anemia, has occurred; it is characterized by headache, fever, abdominal pain, and coma. Individuals of Mediterranean or Middle-Eastern ancestry, who may have a G6PDH deficiency, may be prone to the hemolytic anemia. The red arils around the seeds have been reported to cause vomiting, diarrhea, and death in one child. Certain ingredients, α-momorcharin and β-momorcharin, are known abortifacients.^75,85,86

When bitter melon is combined with sulfonylureas such as chlorpropamide (Diabinese), hypoglycemia may occur, and this has been reported.⁸⁷