[NYAPRS Enews] HHS: Telling Your Doctor About Alternative Supplements

[Harvey Rosenthal]

HHS HealthBeat (May 9, 2011)

Not talking about CAM

 

A doctor needs to know whether a patient takes supplements, such as
complementary or alternative medical products - sometimes called CAM -
because there are some risks. But a survey finds that, that even though
more than half of people over age 50 use these products, many don't tell
their health care providers.

AARP and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
collaborated on the survey. The center's director, Dr. Josephine Briggs:

``We are concerned that, at some times, there may be interactions
between dietary supplements and prescription drugs.'' 

Briggs says natural does not always mean safe, so people need to tell
their doctors when they are taking herbal products or dietary
supplements.

 

Introduction

Did you know that more than one in three adults use some form of
complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)?1
<http://nccam.nih.gov/timetotalk/forpatients.htm#foot1>  For women and
older Americans, those numbers are even higher-two out of five report
using CAM. But many people don't talk with their health care providers
about their CAM use.

What is complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)?

CAM is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices,
and products that are not presently considered to be part of
conventional medicine. CAM includes such products and practices as
herbal supplements, meditation, chiropractic manipulation, and
acupuncture.

Why tell your health care providers about CAM use?

*	Giving your health care providers a full picture of what you do
to manage your health helps you stay in control.
*	Some CAM approaches can have an effect on conventional medicine.
Talking to your health care providers about CAM use will help ensure
coordinated and safe care.
*	Talking to your providers about CAM use helps them to be fully
informed and your partners in health care.

Tips for talking to your health care providers about CAM

*	When completing patient history forms, be sure to include all
therapies and treatments you use. Make a list in advance.
*	Tell your health care providers about all therapies or
treatments-including over-the-counter and prescription medicines, as
well as dietary and herbal supplements.
*	Don't wait for your providers to ask about your CAM use. Be
proactive.
*	If you are considering a new CAM therapy, ask your health care
providers about its safety, effectiveness, and possible interactions
with medications (both prescription and nonprescription).

 

CAM Resources from the National Institutes of Health

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine:
nccam.nih.gov <http://nccam.nih.gov/> 
Toll-free clearinghouse: 1-888-644-6226

Medline Plus:
medlineplus.gov <http://medlineplus.gov/> 

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements:
ods.od.nih.gov <http://www.ods.od.nih.gov/> 

NCI Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine:
cancer.gov/cam/ <http://www.cancer.gov/cam> 

 

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