Mead's milkweed causes poisoning upon ingestion or skin contact. All parts are toxic, especially the sap with high cardiac glycosides. Symptoms include stomach upset, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, weakness, confusion, and lethargy. Large amounts can lead to respiratory paralysis and coma. Contact results in skin and eye irritation.

Mead's milkweed is a rare and endangered species of milkweed, now found only in 171 sites in 34 counties in eastern Kansas, Missouri, south-central Iowa, and southern Illinois. That is why it should never be removed from its habitat if found. Like with other milkweeds, all parts of mead's milkweed are toxic due to presence of Cardiac glycosides, although the specific toxicity for the species is not well established. What is certain is that it is dangerous only in high quantities and poses more danger to cattle than to humans. However, because of its very limited modern range, cattle poisoning due to mead's milkweed is highly unlikely. The general milkweed poisoning symptoms include, stupor, weakness, spasms and vomiting in humans. All milkweeds are very significant feeder plants to native pollinators and butterflies.