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Complementary medicines as companion products - Examining the evidence COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINES
AS COMPANION PRODUCTS
People shouldn’t take complementary medicines just because their prescription medicines could cause nutritional deficiencies or side effects.
Adding an additional medicine should never be done lightly, especially if you’re already on multiple medicines — it adds to your financial cost, and might cause side effects or medicine interactions or even affect how well you take your other medicines.
If someone has, or suspects they have a deficiency or other side effect that is a result of taking a prescription medicine, it is important for them to see their doctor and ask questions about their medicine. Evidence of effectiveness and safety with complementary medicines is often limited.
Examining the evidence
NPS has prepared Information about using specific nutritional supplements with prescription medicines:
- Zinc supplements with antihypertensives
- Co-enzyme Q10 and vitamin D3 with statins
- Magnesium supplements with PPI therapy
- Probiotics with antibiotic-associated diarrhoea
This information covers the evidence for using nutritional supplements as companion products, when people should see a doctor before taking them, and possible side effects and medicine interactions.
You can also get more information about these supplements from your doctor or pharmacist. They can also advise you about the use of nutritional supplements with your prescription medicines. Find out the questions you need to ask before taking any medicine in our Medicinewise section.
VIDEO
Tonic - Complementary medicines
(6:22m)
Medicines Line
Consumers with questions about the medicines they’re offered, including how the medicine works, possible side effects and interactions with other medicines, can contact Medicines Line on 1300 MEDICINE (1300 633 424) from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local phone call (Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm EST).
Companion products
Date published: 2011-09-30 00:00:00
Reasonable care is taken to provide accurate information at the date of creation. This information is not intended as a substitute for medical advice from a qualified health professional. Health professionals should rely on their own expertise and enquiries when providing medical advice or treatment. Where permitted by law, NPS disclaims all liability (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or injury resulting from reliance on or use of this information. Read our full disclaimer.
References to brands should not be taken as an endorsement by NPS.
