Consumers advised to discuss complementary medicine use with health Professionals

3 December 2014 – The Australian Self Medication Industry (ASMI) reaffirmed the importance of consumers discussing their use of complementary medicines with their health professionals.

This was in response to new research from Melbourne’s Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, regarding interactions between some complementary medicines and cancer treatments.

Dr Deon Schoombie, ASMI Executive Director, said: “We welcome new research that adds to the knowledge base about medicines.

“It is essential that all consumers and particularly patients receiving treatment for a medical condition, discuss their use of complementary medicines with their health professionals so that potential interactions can be identified.

“Earlier this year ASMI welcomed a new resource published by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC): Talking with your patients about Complementary Medicine.

“The NHMRC published the resource to help clinicians discuss complementary medicine use with their patients.

“ASMI considers the availability of a resource for clinicians to help them discuss complementary medicine use with patients is a valuable way to better equip patients to make informed decisions about their health care.

“It is also important that patients feel positive about engaging in a conversation with their clinician and the importance of making an informed decision regarding their use,” he added.