Complementary is not alternative
Complementary approaches are used alongside medically indicated treatment. Alternative approaches aim to replace effective care, which creates a particular risk. Whether an approach is reasonable depends on the goal, evidence, condition and ongoing treatment.
Natural does not automatically mean safe
Herbal products can cause side effects and increase or reduce the effects of medicines. Concentration, manufacturing and actual contents may differ from products studied in research. Every supplement should be disclosed before surgery and during cancer, rheumatology, anticoagulant or immunosuppressive treatment.
A good decision starts with a list
Record the product, manufacturer, ingredients, dose, frequency and intended benefit. Review the list with a clinician or pharmacist and agree how benefit and adverse effects will be recognised. New symptoms or worsening disease are reasons to reassess the product.
At a glance
- Document every product and dose
- Have interactions checked
- Do not delay effective diagnosis or treatment
