Comments for Consumers

This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.

Australian Prescriber is unable to comment on individual cases or give second opinions.

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Australian Prescriber Vol. 26 No. 6 2003

Traditional Chinese medicines

Complementary medicines are popular in Australia. Traditional Chinese medicines are one type of complementary medicine.

Patients need to be aware that the quality of traditional Chinese medicines can vary. The medicines are often based on plants. Where the plants are grown and how they are processed may affect the way they work as medicines. Some plants are poisonous.

Traditional Chinese medicines are not tested the same way as other medicines are in Australia. There may be a risk of contamination. Some products have been found to contain toxic chemicals. Others have had Western medicines mixed in to increase their effects.

If you decide to take traditional Chinese medicine you should make sure that the person who prescribes it has some qualifications in how to prepare the medicines. It is also important to tell your doctor if you are taking complementary medicines as they may interact with other treatments.