Charrois TL, Hill R, Vu D, Foster B, Boon H, Cramer K, Vohra S.

Survey of community pharmacist reporting of adverse drug reactions associated with natural health products.

CARE Program, University of Alberta, Ste 220, 8215-112 St, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2C8, Canada. theresa.charrois@ualberta.ca

STUDY OBJECTIVES: 1) to identify community pharmacist awareness of potential adverse events and/or drug interactions associated with natural health products (NHP) and, 2) to provide information regarding pharmacist reporting of adverse events (AE) / drug interactions with NHPs.

METHODS: Survey questions were derived from a literature review of previous surveys, data collected from Health Canada and in consultation with clinicians, pharmacists, policy-makers and researchers. A convenience sample of 321 community pharmacists in Alberta and British Columbia were asked to participate.

RESULTS: 132 pharmacists responded resulting in a response rate of 41% (132/321). A total of 19% of the population had previously reported an AE to Health Canada. When asked specifically about NHP-drug interactions/AE, 47% of pharmacists stated they had seen a potential interaction, however, only 2 of these respondents reported it to Health Canada. Half of these pharmacists discussed the interaction with the patient (52%). The majority (89%) of pharmacists reported being moderately to extremely concerned about NHP-drug interactions/AE. Over 82% reported being moderately to extremely concerned regarding the quality of NHPs, with 91% of respondents indicating their concern was due to lack of standardization.

CONCLUSIONS: In terms of adverse events, the majority of pharmacists were very concerned about the potential for interactions. As well, these pharmacists were concerned about the quality of available products. This survey provides evidence to suggest pharmacists are encountering reportable AEs in patients using NHPs, however not reporting these events. This leads us to believe that the current system of passive surveillance is not adequate. Whether this lack of reporting is an issue with regards to knowledge about the reporting system or due to other constraints, is unknown. The majority of pharmacists felt more education on NHPs was needed on this subject (92%).

 

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