Practical guide will support pharmacy staff, and public safety

Pharmacists should get more involved in providing guidance to customers purchasing supplements and complementary medicines, a new University of Queensland research paper says.

UQ’s School of Pharmacy Dr Adam La Caze said the sale of complementary medicines raises ethical challenges for pharmacists as most of these products l

“Pharmacists also know complementary medicines can cause harm due to adverse effects, interactions with other medications and delays in seeking further treatment,” Dr La Caze said.

The research paper defines ‘complementary medicines’ as products containing herbs, vitamins or nutritional supplements, as well as homeopathic and aromatherapy preparations.  

“In Australia, these products are considered sufficiently safe for self-care and are sold in pharmacies and a range of alternative outlets, Dr La Caze said.

The research paper outlines a framework to support and guide pharmacist when they sell complementary medicines.

Dr LaCaze said the team hoped their framework would eventually be incorporated into pharmacists’ professional standards, codes of ethics and day-to-day practice.

The research paper recommends pharmacists:

• Provide consumers with evidence-based recommendations, train their staff to do the same and refer to a pharmacist when required;
• Provide sufficient information for consumers to make informed decisions;
• Set up pharmacy processes so consumers are offered advice from a pharmacist when purchasing complementary medicines;
• Ensure pharmacists are available to advise staff and customers;
• Be vigilant for complementary medicine harm and intervene if risk of harm is significant.

“One in two Australians take complementary medicines and many are bought from pharmacies,” he said.

 “Our research recognised the conflict between a pharmacist’s responsibility to respect consumer health choice and their duty to provide evidence-based advice.

“Pharmacists are accessible and have the skills and knowledge to help people use complementary medicines safely.

“This framework closes an information gap for pharmacists about their role and responsibilities in advising on complementary medicine use.

“We hope our work helps ensure that complementary medicines remain available in community pharmacies in a way that benefits the consumer.”

The study was published in Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy (doi.org/10.1016/j.sapharm.2020.07.002).

Media: Dr Adam La Caze, a.lacaze@uq.edu.au, 0438 198 488; habs.media@uq.edu.au, 0412 307 594.