Planta Med 2016; 82 - OA3
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1578573

Complementary Medicine Use And Regulation – An Australian Perspective

L Braun 1
  • 1Blackmores Institute, 20 Jubilee Avenue, Warriewood, Sydney, 2102, Australia; National institute of Complementary Medicine, Western Sydney University, 2751, Australia

A government funded survey of 1121 Australian pharmacy customers found 72% take over-the-counter complementary medicine products (CMs). They are used to relieve symptoms, prevent disease and enhance health [1]. The use of CMs does not reduce with age, only the pattern of use changes. The majority of CMs are purchased in community pharmacies where customers expect pharmacists to provide information about safety and efficacy; however, surveys show pharmacists are not confident and poorly-equipped to provide evidence-informed guidance. Naturopaths generally consult in clinics however there are now pharmacies employing naturopaths to provide customer advice.

Unlike some countries, Australia has a risk-based system for regulating CMs which is administered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Over-the-counter CMs can only contain ingredients listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods and demonstrate safety and quality in the pre-market period. This requires manufacturers to adhere to the code of Good Manufacturing Practice and the Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme standards. Products are either 'listed' or 'registered' having demonstrated safety and quality, and in the case of registered products, also efficacy.

A survey of 793 complementary medicines users found 7% thought they might have experienced an adverse reaction to a product in their lifetime with 7% of this group reporting it as severe, necessitating hospitalisation [1]. There was no significant association between suspecting a reaction and age, gender, education, income, use of digoxin, warfarin or the oral contraceptive pill. The relatively low rate of suspicion of adverse reactions suggests CMs regulated by the TGA have a good safety profile.

References:

[1] Dooley M, Braun L et al. Investigating the Integration of Complementary Medicine into Community Pharmacy Practice; Report of the Australian Department of Health and Aging, Pharmacy Guild of Australia, 2010