ARE HERBAL REMEDIES SAFE?

     We assume that herbal remedies are harmless substitutes for prescription drugs. We think it’s even okay to feed them to the kids without mentioning it to a doctor. But wait a minute!

Herbs have side effects, and some can be serious. They also interact with prescription medications. If you don’t have a chance to ask your doctor about these interactions, do ask your professional pharmacist, who has had extensive training in this area.

When you buy a herbal remedy, you can’t be sure of what you’re getting. Herbal remedies are often adulterated – such as the “Chinese herbal medicines adulterated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents with such serious reactions as acute renal failure and aplastic anemia.” Find more information at:

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3899/
is_199907/ai_n8860805/pg_4

     So do ask your doctor before taking a herbal remedy. When I asked mine if taking gingko was a good way to improve my memory, she said “no,” because it would not work well with my blood pressure medication. She suggested that I take fish oil capsules instead.

     Following is an excellent article on herbal remedies. Click on “10 Common Herb Mistakes” to find a good summary:

http://arthritis.about.com/od/herbs/
Herbal_Remedies_Common_Uses_Health_Benefits_Side_Effects.htm

     Come to this UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS site if you’d like to do in-depth research on “complementary integrative medicine;” that is, integrating Western medicine with ancient Chinese herbal medicines and other alternative options:

http://www.mdanderson.org/departments/cimer/

ARE OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICINES SAFE?

     The FDA thinks they are safe for most people if taken alone: that’s why they’re sold over the counter. But sometimes they can react violently with a prescription medication you’re taking, and they may make worse a physical problem you already have. Some over the counter (OTC) drugs were originally prescription drugs, and they pack a whollop. That’s why their labels often say, “consult your doctor before taking.” When you have a checkup, your doctor needs to know what OTC and herbal remedies you take and what dietary supplements you take, as well as your prescription medications.

     If you don’t have time to ask your doctor about an OTC medication, do ask your professional pharmacist before you buy it. Tell him or her everything you’re taking, including herbal remedies.

     Learn more by clicking below:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/
2007/02/23/AR2007022301780.html

     To further research drug interactions, the companion piece of the above article offers first-class links you can use. Find them at the address below:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/
2007/02/23/AR2007022301822.html

INTERNET DRUG INDEX

     RX-LIST.COM gives you extensive prescription drug information, interactions, and side effects. If the drug that interests you is not in the “Top 200 Drugs,” you can put its name into the search box.

http://www.rxlist.com/script/main/hp.asp