Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAMs)

Question 1

What are 8 factors to consider with complementary and alternative medicines?

Answer 1

1. SPECIFIC PRODUCT – allows you to look at all ingredients in product
2. INDICATION – does the indication reflect inadequate treatment, self-diagnosis or a side-effect of a medication
3. EVIDENCE and SAFETY – at the dose patient taking
4. CURRENT or INTENDED USE – duration
5. WHO RECOMMENDED – friend, internet, naturopath, doctor, etc
6. DUPLICATION – patients may use several products – ensure total dose of vitamins/minerals is not excessive
7. HOMEOPATHIC – if diluted more than 24X or 12C there are no molecules present
8. ADULTERATION OR CONTAMINATION OF PRODUCT – particularly if patient experiencing an adverse effect (eg. cushingoid symptoms may indicate adulteration of osteoarthritis herbal products with corticosteroids)

Question 2

Evening Primrose Oil

Answer 2

TBC

Question 3

Fish Oil

Answer 3

TBC

Question 4

Gingko Baloba

Answer 4

TBC

Question 5

Glucosamine

Answer 5

TBC