Herb/Drug Interactions: What You Don't Know CAN Hurt You

May 4, 2010

May 3, 2010, Toronto – Picture this scenario: “James” is a patient suffering from depression. He has been on antidepressant medication for years with little or no improvement. He’s read about and decides to try St. John’s Wort – a popular herb used to treat depression. Because it’s “just a herb”, James assumes that it’s safe to take it with his antidepressant medication. Tragically, he could be putting his life at risk.

James’ assumption is one of many misconceptions people have when it comes to combining herbal medications and conventional drugs. Other misconceptions include: the use of herbal medicine not being supported by published evidence or that herbal medicines are unscientific.

Whether you’re treating depression, high blood pressure, taking blood-thinning medication or coping with the effects of chemotherapy, there is much people don’t but should know before they start taking herbal medications.

In conjunction with Naturopathic Medicine Week, the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) will be holding a special information session to inform people about what they should know about herb/drug interactions. This presentation will take place on Wednesday, May 5, 2010, at 7 p.m. and will be led by Jonathan Prousky, ND and Chief Naturopathic Medical Officer, Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic.

“Many people are on medications and also take various natural health products that can cause potential negative and (even positive) interactions. It is important that people attend to learn information sources that can assist them in making more informed decisions and to learn strategies to limit negative herb-drug interactions,” Prousky says.

HERB/DRUG INTERACTIONS: WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW COULD HURT YOU!

Where:
The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM
1255 Sheppard Ave. East, Toronto, at the Leslie subway station

When:
Wednesday, May 5, 7 p.m.

Cost:
Parking and registration are free
Registration is required


The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) is Canada's premier institute for education and research in naturopathic medicine. CCNM offers a rigorous four-year, full-time doctor of naturopathic medicine program. The College educates, develops and trains naturopathic doctors through excellence in health education, clinical services and research that integrate mind, body and spirit.

Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are primary healthcare practitioners. Interns at CCNM’s Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic improve their patients’ health by identifying and treating the underlying causes of illness, integrating acupuncture/Asian medicine, botanical medicine, nutrition, homeopathic medicine, hydrotherapy/massage and lifestyle counselling.


For more information contact:
Catherine Kenwell
Director, Marketing and Communications
Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
Phone: 416-498-1255
Email: ckenwell@ccnm.edu
Website: www.ccnm.edu

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