Lecture 11 - Navigating the Pharmacy Flashcards
the capacity to use scientific knowledge, to identify questions, and to draw evidence-based conclusions in order to understand and help make decisions about the natural world
scientific literacy
in Canada, drugs are regulated according to the:
Food and Drug Act by the “Health Products and Food Branch” (HPFB)
what is the purpose of the “Health Products and Food Branch” (HPFP)?
to review the safety and efficacy data from clinical studies
according to the “Health Products and Food Branch” (HPFP), a drug will only be approved if:
the benefits outweigh the risks
drugs approved by the “Health Products and Food Branch” (HPFP) will have a:
drug identification number (DIN)
natural health products are regulated according to the:
“Natural and Non-Prescription Health Products Directorate” (NNHPD)
what does the “Natural and Non-Prescription Health Products Directorate” (NNHPD) do?
licensed products are deemed to contain safe ingredients (but do not do any additional testing)
products approved by the “Natural and Non-Prescription Health Products Directorate” (NNHPD) can be identified by a:
Natural Product Number (NPM) or Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM)
many everyday consumer products, like toothpases and shampoos, are classified as _____ in Canada
natural health products
what percent of Canadians who use natural health products report that they have experienced unwanted side effects?
12%
what are four things to keep in mind when assessing research?
- evidence vs. anecdote
- humans vs. animals vs. cells in a dish
- clinical trials vs. case studies
- reviews vs. systematic reviews vs. meta-analyses
when analyzing clinical trials, it is important to watch for:
- blinding
- controls/placebo
- bias
- participants
are there clinical trials for natural products?
yes, but not often
when analyzing systematic reviews, it is important to watch for:
- time frame
- search criteria
- basis for inclusion/exclusion of studies
- bias/conflicts of interest
a quantitative combination of data from separate studies that employs statistics and can even quantify publication bias
meta-analyses
is homeopathic medicine the same as naturopathy?
no
what is the general “rule of thumb” to keep in mind when wondering if you should use homeopathic medicine?
- is it safe?
- does it cost a lot of money?
