Healthy Skepticism Library item: 9788

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Huang SM, Hall SD, Watkins P, Love LA, Serabjit-singh C, Betz JM, Hoffman FA, Honig P, Coates PM, Bull J, Chen ST, Kearns GL, Murray MD.
Drug interactions with herbal products and grapefruit juice: A conference report
Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2004; 71:(1):1-12
http://ezproxy.library.uq.edu.au/login?url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clpt.2003.07.002

Abstract:

Drug interactions with herbal products and food are an evolving knowledge base. Recent examples of protease inhibitors and St John’s wort provide compelling evidence of the necessity of adequate pharmacovigilance in ascertaining heretofore unanticipated but preventable drug-herbal interactions. Clinical pharmacology studies of potential significant interactions in phase 1 and phase 2 trials, as well as phase 3 trials, will require a heightened awareness of possible herbal product usage by patients and consumers in the intended study population. Ultimately, better mechanisms are needed to encourage communication among patients and physicians about dietary supplements and, in particular herbal drug and food interactions. Patients whose current prescription regimens do not provide complete symptomatic relief are study populations likely to use supplemental herbal products. Such patient populations might include those with cancer, persistent pain, and other refractory long-term diseases. Drug development study protocols, as well as postmarketing risk assessments, are needed to maintain a high level of alertness to potential drug and food interactions and manage patient risk.