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Complementary medicines - Independent medicine & health information for consumers & professionals Complementary medicines
Show health professional infoLatest independent information about complementary medicines, written and reviewed by experts in Australia.
Complementary medicines are also known as alternative medicines.
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| Title | Description | Type | Audience  |
Date* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dangerous drugs online: counterfeits and undeclared ingredients | The risks associated with self-medication have been amplified by the ability to buy prescription, non-prescription and complementary medicines as well as 'recreational' drugs online, according to an article by Dr Ben Davies in the February issue of Australian Prescriber |
Media release | Others | 2012-02-01 19:00:00 |
| How to be safer with your complementary medicines | Finding good information about complementary medicines on the internet. Avoid bad mixes with your other medicines by telling your doctor what you take. |
Web page | Consumers | 2011-01-24 00:00:00 |
| Medicines for type 2 diabetes - Independent medicine & health information | People with type 2 diabetes may need medicines as well as dietary changes & physical activity to control their blood glucose levels. Treating diabetes with medicines helps relieve symptoms & reduces the risk of developing complications. |
Web page | Consumers,Others,Research & Evaluation community | 2011-11-14 00:00:00 |
| Medicines for type 1 diabetes - Independent medicine & health information | People with type 1 diabetes need medicines as well as dietary changes & physical activity to control their blood glucose levels. Medicines are needed to relieve symptoms & reduces the risk of developing complications. |
Web page | Consumers,Others,Research & Evaluation community | 2011-12-06 00:00:00 |
| Case study 59: Optimising quality of life during menopause | Johara, 50, presents complaining of hot flushes with sweating 2–3 times a day over the last year. Her sleep has been disturbed, and her menstrual cycle irregular for 12 months. She wonders if complementary medicines or hormone replacement therapy might help but is concerned about the safety of their use. |
Professional activity - Case study | Health Professionals | 2009-08-01 00:00:00 |
| Case study 52 report: Optimising chronic heart failure therapy | Patient diagnosed with systolic heart failure presents with increased breathlessness. Examines optimal target medications. |
Professional activity - Case study report | Health Professionals | 2008-06-01 00:00:00 |
| Case study 52: Optimising chronic heart failure therapy | Patient diagnosed with systolic heart failure presents with increased breathlessness. Examines optimal target medications. |
Professional activity - Case study | Health Professionals | 2008-04-01 00:00:00 |
| Case study PH5 report. For pharmacists. Dyslipidaemia and coronary heart disease risk | Female patient presents her first prescription for simvastatin. She doesn't really want to take it and asks you if she should bother. |
Professional activity - Case study report | Health Professionals | 2002-02-01 00:00:00 |
| Case study PH5. For pharmacists. Dyslipidaemia and coronary heart disease risk | Female patient presents her first prescription for simvastatin. She doesn't really want to take it and asks you if she should bother. |
Professional activity - Case study | Health Professionals | 2002-02-01 00:00:00 |
| Case study 71: Heart failure | Patient diagnosed with systolic heart failure presents with increased breathlessness. Examines optimal medicine regimens.. |
Professional activity - Case study | Health Professionals | 2011-10-04 00:00:00 |
| Glucosamine and chondroitin in osteoarthritis | A review of available evidence on the efficacy and adverse effects associated with the use of glucosamine and chondroitin (individually and in combination) in osteoarthritis. |
Professional publication - NPS factsheet | Health Professionals | 2003-10-28 00:00:00 |
| Complementary medicines and the common cold: Information for health professionals | Information on efficacy, precautions and safety issues associated with the use of vitamin C, echinacea, or zinc for treatment or prevention of the common cold. |
Professional publication - NPS factsheet | Health Professionals | 2004-06-01 00:00:00 |
| Fish oil supplements and cardiovascular disease | Fish oil supplements may be useful for people who cannot meet the dietary recommendations for fish intake, or for people with hypertriglyceridaemia. For people receiving standard treatment for cardiovascular disease, the benefit of a fish oil supplement appears modest. Read more. |
Professional publication - NPS factsheet | Health Professionals | 2011-08-19 00:00:00 |
| Nurse Update November 2011 | Improving treatment of patients with systolic heart failure — Independent review of new stroke prevention medicine — Taking caution with codeine — Complementary medicines as companion products: what’s the evidence? — National Medicines Symposium 2012 |
Professional publication - Nurse Update | Health Professionals | 2011-11-02 00:00:00 |
| NPS News 64 (Insert): Compounded and 'bioidentical' hormones | Overview of the claims and evidence for complementary therapies for managing menopausal symptoms |
Professional publication - NPS News | Health Professionals | 2009-08-01 00:00:00 |
| Menopause symptoms - Therapeutic choices | Discusses type of HRT (hormone replacement therapy), when to use HRT and its alternatives, and reviews complementary therapies for menopausal symptoms. |
Professional publication - NPS News | Health Professionals | 2009-08-01 00:00:00 |
| Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) | Reviews potential risks associated with hormone replacement therapy with reference to breast cancer and osteoporosis. Complementary / alternative therapies examined. |
Professional publication - NPS News | Health Professionals | 2004-02-01 00:00:00 |
| Benzodiazepines and non-drug treatments for insomnia | Covers benzodiazepine prescribing and the treatment of insomia. Compares non-drug treatments and herbal alternatives |
Professional publication - NPS News | Health Professionals | 2002-10-01 00:00:00 |
| Osteoarthritis and COX-2 inhibitors | How safe are COX-2 selective NSAIDs in osteoarthritis? Are there adverse effects and drug interactions? What about glucosamine? |
Professional publication - NPS News | Health Professionals | 2001-10-01 00:00:00 |
| Hormone Replacement Therapy - Benefits and risks | Focuses on evidence of benefits from use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (cardiovascular diseases), management of adverse effects and complementary therapy. |
Professional publication - NPS News | Health Professionals | 2000-10-01 00:00:00 |
| Articles on complementary medicines from NPS RADAR | Get independent, evidence-based info on complementary medicines. Written for doctors, pharmacists & other health professionals. |
Topic overview | Health Professionals | 2009-10-28 00:00:00 |
| eLearning @ NPS | Our digital newsletter contains news and updates about NPS online learning resources available to health professionals and students. It informs and inspires academics, providing opportunities to incorporate free NPS online learning resources in their curriculum. |
Web page | Health Professionals | 2011-11-03 00:00:00 |
| Complementary medicines: Hospital pharmacists' attitude, knowledge and information seeking behaviour. Abstract JPPR 2009 | Hospital pharmacists knowledge of the adverse effects of complementary medicines and their information seeking behaviour is examined. Brown J, Roufogalis, B, Williamson, M. Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Research 2009; 39(4):281-285. |
Corporate publication - Academic article by NPS | Research & Evaluation community | 2011-02-21 00:00:00 |
| Complementary Medicines research project | A short summary of research project: Information Use and Needs of Complementary Medicine Users |
Corporate publication - Research report | Research & Evaluation community | 2007-12-11 00:00:00 |
| Complementary Medicines: Information Use and Needs of Australian Health Professionals | A summary of research - Complementary Medicines: Information Use and Needs of Australian Health Professionals |
Corporate publication - Research report | Research & Evaluation community,Health Professionals | 2008-12-11 00:00:00 |
| Review of Information Resources for Complementary Medicines | Review of Information Resources for Complementary Medicines |
Corporate publication - Research report | Research & Evaluation community | 2009-03-16 00:00:00 |
| NPS Complementary Medicines research project and reports | Complementary report - Short summary of background, parties involved and stages of the research project Complementary Medicines: Information Use and Needs of Consumers and Health Professionals. |
Corporate publication - Research report | Research & Evaluation community | 2008-12-11 00:00:00 |
| Medimate: Medicines don't just come on prescription | Medicines come in many forms. Medicines may come on prescription, be recommended by a pharmacist, or you may choose medicines yourself. |
Consumer publication - Brochure | Consumers | 2009-09-23 00:00:00 |
| The National Census of Medicines Use: Medicine Use by Australians Aged 50 Years and Older, Abstract NMS 2010 | National census data about the use of medicines by senior Australians aged 50 years and over, Morgan T, Pirotta M, Stewart K, Barnes J, Myers S, Williamson M. National Medicine Symposium, 26-28 May 2010, Melbourne, Australia |
Event - Conference abstract | Health Professionals,Research & Evaluation community | 2010-05-28 00:00:00 |
| Evaluating Complementary Medicines resources: Separating the wheat from the chaff. Abstract NMS 2010 | Evaluation of the quality of complementary medicines information resources to aid decision support and to identify high quality resources for use in Australia. Walters J, McGuire T, Williamson M. National Medicine Symposium, 26-28 May 2010, Melbourne, Australia |
Event - Conference abstract | Health Professionals,Research & Evaluation community | 2010-05-28 00:00:00 |
| Interacting with complementary medicines: challenging and expanding general practitioners' professional role, Poster NMS 2010 | GPs attitudes to the use of complementary medicines (CMs), communication with patients about CMs and how CMs fitted with a GPs professional role. Morgan T, Adams J, Brown J, Grunseit A, Williamson M National Medicine Symposium, 26-28 May 2010, Melbourne, Australia |
Event - Conference poster | Health Professionals,Research & Evaluation community | 2010-05-28 00:00:00 |
| National Census revealing extent of medicines use problems | Preliminary data from the National Census of Medicines Use in Australia shows a significant number of adverse medicines events aren’t being reported to GPs and people are struggling to identify information sources they can easily understand. |
Media release | Others | 2010-02-16 19:00:00 |
| Push for complementary medicines to be in all medical, pharmacy curricula | The National Prescribing Service (NPS) welcomes calls for improved complementary and alternate medicine training in universities and says all health professionals have a responsibility to ensure these products are used safely. |
Media release | Others | 2009-11-24 19:00:00 |
| Herbal and natural remedies are our new first preference. Abstract NMS 2008 | Reasons for the increased consumption of complementary medicines, drawing on the results of research by NPS and others. Williamson M. National Medicines Symposium, 14-16 May 2008, Canberra, Australia. |
Event - Conference abstract | Health Professionals,Research & Evaluation community | 2008-05-16 00:00:00 |
| Video: Complementary medicines including traditional or herbal alternatives | Complementary medicines are traditional or alternative medicines, and include herbal medicines, vitamin and mineral supplements, other nutritional supplements, traditional and homeopathic medicines. It’s important to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medicines you take, including complementary medicines. |
Multimedia - Video | Consumers,Health Professionals | 2009-11-12 00:00:00 |
| First national survey to get snapshot of medicines use | Australians’ use of medicines, including natural remedies, is the focus of a national census launched this week by the National Prescribing Service Ltd (NPS) and the University of Melbourne |
Media release | Others | 2009-07-06 19:00:00 |
| Complementary medicines and consumer information: what do they need, where do they go and what is the point? Poster NMS 2008 | Who uses complementary medicines, their information needs, how they acquire information and for what purpose? Tudball J, Williamson M, Toms M. National Medicines Symposium, 14-16 May 2008, Canberra, Australia |
Event - Conference poster | Health Professionals,Research & Evaluation community | 2008-05-16 00:00:00 |
| Information needs and preferences of general practitioners on complementary medicines. Poster NMS 2008 | Results of a survey of general practioners about their complementary medicines information needs. Brown J, Williamson M, Toms M, Pirotta M. National Medicines Symposium, 14-16 May 2008, Canberra, Australia. |
Event - Conference poster | Health Professionals,Research & Evaluation community | 2008-05-16 00:00:00 |
| Review of the Quality of Complementary Medicines Information Resources: Summary Report | Review of the Quality of Complementary Medicines Information Resources: Summary Report |
Corporate publication - Research report | Health Professionals | 2009-03-16 00:00:00 |
| Highest quality complementary medicines resources identified | Health professionals and consumers can now refer to certain complementary medicine information resources with confidence, following a review and categorisation of existing databases commissioned by the National Prescribing Service Ltd (NPS). |
Media release | Others | 2009-03-16 19:00:00 |
| Treating depression: The choices | Learn about choices for the treatment of depression, including counselling with or without one of a range of antidepressant medications. |
Consumer publication - MedicinesTalk | Consumers | 2004-12-01 00:00:00 |
| Medicines and young children | Learn about the differences in giving medicines to children, and the need for careful selection of prescribed, over-the-counter and complementary medicines. |
Consumer publication - MedicinesTalk | Consumers | 2005-12-01 00:00:00 |
| Errata - Complementary Medicines Information Use and Needs of Health Professionals: General Practitioners and Pharmacists | Errata - Complementary Medicines Information Use and Needs of Health Professionals: General Practitioners and Pharmacists |
Corporate publication - Research report | Research & Evaluation community | 2009-04-03 00:00:00 |
| NPS complementary medicines users report 2008 | Research report on the information use and needs of complementary medicine users |
Corporate publication - Research report | Consumers,Research & Evaluation community | 2011-01-01 00:00:00 |
| Research report: Complementary medicine information use and needs of GPs and Pharmacists | A research report about complementary medicine information use and needs of GPs and Pharmacists |
Corporate publication - Research report | Research & Evaluation community,Health Professionals | 2009-04-03 00:00:00 |
| NPS recommendations on natural, alternative and complementary medicine information | Recommendations have been made to Government following research conducted by the National Prescribing Service Ltd (NPS) into the complementary medicine* information needs and uses of consumers, GPs and pharmacists. |
Media release | Others | 2008-12-11 00:00:00 |
| Fast, accessible complementary medicine information needed | GPs and pharmacists want central information resources on complementary medicines they can access through the internet or prescribing/dispensing software, according to the latest findings from research conducted by the National Prescribing Service Ltd |
Media release | Others | 2008-12-02 18:55:00 |
| More information needed about complementary medicines | Australians want reliable information on complementary medicines* from trusted sources but are currently turning to friends and industry-sponsored websites, according to the latest findings from research into the information needs of consumers and health professionals conducted by the National Prescribing Service Ltd (NPS). |
Media release | Others | 2008-12-02 00:00:00 |
| NPS findings on attitudes towards complementary medicines | GPs and pharmacists believe they don’t have enough access to evidence-based information about complementary medicines and as a result are not confident discussing complementary medicines with their patients, according to preliminary findings from research into the information needs of consumers, GPs and pharmacists conducted by the National Prescribing Service Ltd (NPS). |
Media release | Others | 2008-11-18 00:00:00 |
| Complementary medicine use: first findings from NPS survey | The use of complementary medicines by Australians has increased over the past decade but consumers aren't treating them like conventional medicines, according to preliminary findings from research into the information needs of consumers, GPs and pharmacists conducted by the National Prescribing Service Ltd (NPS). |
Media release | Others | 2008-11-19 00:00:00 |
| Information Needs and Preferences of General Practitioners on Complementary Medicines | Information Needs and Preferences of General Practitioners on Complementary Medicines |
Event - Conference poster | Health Professionals,Research & Evaluation community | 2008-04-01 00:00:00 |
| Poster: Complementary medicines and consumer information | Poster presenting research on consumer attitudes to complementary medicines by Tudball J, Williamson, M, Toms M. National Medicines Symposium 2008 |
Event - Conference poster | Health Professionals | 2008-04-01 00:00:00 |
| MedicinesTalk No. 23 Spring 2007 edition | MedicinesTalk Spring 2007, containing get to know your medicines campaign, what to do about side effects, complementary and alternative medicines and testing new medicines. |
Consumer publication - MedicinesTalk | Consumers | 2007-09-01 00:00:00 |
| Complementary medicines: attitudes and information needs of consumers and healthcare professionals | A literature review focusing on the attitudes and information needs of consumers and healthcare professionals regarding complementary medicines. |
Corporate publication - Research report | Health Professionals | 2008-04-19 00:00:00 |
| What consumers want to know about complementary medicines. Poster NPS 2008 | Consumer practice and preference for obtaining information on complementary medicines, preliminary results of a 2008 study. Willianson M, Toms M, Garden F. NPS March 2008 |
Event - Conference poster | Health Professionals | 2008-03-01 00:00:00 |
| Complementary medicines: attitudes and information needs of consumers and health professionals | The information needs and preferences of consumers and health professionals about complementary medicines form the basis of a literature review commissioned by NPS . |
Corporate publication - Research report | Research & Evaluation community | 2007-12-20 00:00:00 |
| About quality use of medicines | Quality use of medicines (QUM) means selecting management options wisely; choosing suitable medicines if a medicine is considered necessary; and using medicines safely and effectively. |
Web page | Others | 2008-02-22 00:00:00 |
| Complementary and alternative medicines | Complementary and alternative medicines are generally safer and less potent than prescription medicines, but they still need to be used with care. Like other medicines, they can cause side effects in some people, and they may interact with other medicines. |
Consumer publication - MedicinesTalk | Consumers | 2007-09-01 00:00:03 |
| NPS welcomes decision by Blackmores and Pharmacy Guild to drop endorsement arrangement | NPS welcomes the decision by Blackmores and the Pharmacy Guild to cancel the Gold Cross endorsement of the Blackmores Companions range of complementary medicines |
Media release | Others | 2011-10-06 19:00:00 |
| Pharmacists should provide independent advice, assess patients individually: NPS | NPS is urging pharmacists to continue to tailor advice to individual patients based on their need and the evidence available, following the announcement of a partnership between Blackmores and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia that will see four complementary medicines recommended alongside prescription medicines. |
Media release | Others | 2011-09-27 17:00:00 |
| Complementary medicines are medicines too | Complementary medicines such as herbal supplements and vitamins are often considered less powerful than prescription medicines, but can still cause side effects in some people, and may interact with other medicines and food, according to NPS. |
Media release | Others | 2011-09-08 19:00:00 |
| Finding answers about complementary medicines | Complementary medicines can cause side effects in some people and may interact with other medicines and foods. Therefore, they should be given the same consideration as other medicines. |
Consumer publication - MedicinesTalk | Consumers | 2011-09-05 00:00:00 |
| MedicinesTalk No. 37 September 2011 | MedicinesTalk September 2011 has articles on finding information about complementary medicines, gadgets to help ith medicines, what to do with unused medicines and knowing your heart and stroke risk score. |
Consumer publication - MedicinesTalk | Consumers | 2011-09-05 00:00:00 |
| Talk to your health professional | Ask your health professional for advice |
Campaign | Consumers | 2011-02-25 00:00:00 |
| New survey shows Australians are not medicinewise | Results from a survey of 1500 consumers reported 65% had used a prescription medicine in the last three months, 60% had used an over-the-counter medicine and 45% had used an alternative or herbal medicine |
Media release | Others | 2011-01-30 19:00:00 |
| Medicines – definition written & reviewed by Australian experts | Medicines - Substances used to treat an illness or medical condition. |
Glossary item | Health Professionals,Consumers,Members & Stakeholders,Others,Research & Evaluation community | 2011-01-24 00:00:00 |
| Video: Complementary medicines or mainstream medicines — how I decide | I’m happy to use complementary medicines for some things, but not others — Vanessa talks about her experience. |
Consumer resource - Story | Consumers | 2011-01-24 00:00:00 |
| Complementary medicines – definition written & reviewed by Australian experts | Complementary medicines – Herbal, natural & alternative medicines; vitamins, minerals, supplements, homoeopathic medicines, traditional Chinese medicine, some aromatherapy |
Glossary item | Health Professionals,Consumers,Members & Stakeholders,Others,Research & Evaluation community | 2011-01-24 00:00:00 |
| Know it's a medicine | A test deep page |
Campaign | Consumers | 2011-01-20 00:00:00 |
| How to be safer with your complementary medicines — FAQs | FAQs about how to find good information about complementary medicines on the internet. Avoid bad mixes with your other medicines by telling your doctor what you take. |
FAQ | Consumers | 2011-01-24 00:00:00 |
| What about my complementary medicines — Stories | Read or watch stories about complementary medicines. They are often safer than prescription medicines, but they still need to be used with care. |
Consumer resource - Story | Consumers | 2011-01-24 00:00:00 |
| Could a complementary medicine help? A story about hot flushes | How someone decided whether a complementary medicine was right for them. |
Consumer resource - Story | Consumers | 2011-01-24 00:00:00 |
| Won’t my doctor disapprove of my complementary medicines? | Doctors know many people use complementary therapies, and they will appreciate knowing about any you are taking. See more FAQs about medicines choices. |
FAQ | Consumers | 2011-01-24 00:00:00 |
| Where can I find reliable information about complementary medicines? | Good information about complementary or alternative medicines can be found on MedlinePlus, & the US National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. See more FAQs about medicines choices. |
FAQ | Consumers | 2011-01-24 00:00:00 |
| Why should I tell my health professionals which complementary medicines I’m taking? | Some complementary medicines can mix badly (interact) with other medicines. See more FAQs about medicines choices. |
FAQ | Consumers | 2011-01-24 00:00:00 |
| Are complementary medicines approved by the Government for sale, just like prescription medicines? | Complementary medicines do not go through the same approval process as prescription medicines. See more FAQs about medicines choices. |
FAQ | Consumers | 2011-01-24 00:00:00 |
Information on this website is published by NPS — an independent, evidence based, not-for-profit organisation funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
NPS develops its information under the guidance of experts in their field, editorial panels, expert reviewers and consumers. Find out more about how we develop our content.
Date published: 2010-12-17 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.
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