Regulation and safety of prescription, OTC, and herbal medications in Canada

Prescription, OTC and Herbal Remedies in Canada

More and more consumers are becomes wise to the ways of medicine, and seeking methods of self-medicating and treating acute or chronic ailments with as little hassle as possible. There are several therapies available to patients suffering from physical ailments, including prescription drugs, OTC and herbal medications. Each of these medications is treated differently by the Canadian government, and regulated in a slightly different manner.

Though all of these medications may potentially be taken safely, they can also cause a variety of symptoms and side effects if taken incorrectly. Thus it is critical that consumers educate themselves to as great an extent as possible to ensure that the medicine options they take are safe given their personal medical history. An overview of each of these different therapies is provided below, as well as legislation governing their disbursement and use.

Prescription, OTC and Herbal Medication: An Overview

There are a variety of medications available to consumers seeking relief for ailments ranging from severe to mild in nature. The strongest medications, prescription medications, are highly regulated substances developed under stringent testing protocols and offered to the public for ailments ranging from cancer to the flu. Because of the complex nature of prescription medications, consumers generally only have access to them with a legitimate prescription from a licensed prescription. Improper use of prescription medications can lead to severe side effects, thus it is important that physicians asses a patients and determine whether a medication is suitable for their condition prior to dispersal.

OTC medications might be considered 'milder' forms of prescription medications. Many of them have similar effects as prescription medications, such as pain relief, but are generally less powerful and contain less active ingredients than their prescription counterparts. Most consumers are able to purchase over the counter medications at a local grocer or pharmacist, and many use them to self-medicate or treat minor ailments and illnesses.

Herbal medications are often considered 'nature's pharmacy.' They are formulations derived from plant extracts that might come in caplets or capsules. Some herbal medications are also available in tea form. Herbal medications are often milder in nature than both OTC and prescription medications, and may be used for acute or chronic illnesses. Many have effects that build up over time, thus require more prolonged use. They can be used to both treat and to prevent illnesses.

Herbal remedies might interact with or affect the effectiveness of prescription or over the counter medications, thus it is vital that consumers understand the potential side effects or interaction that may occur when taking an herbal remedy. Many consumers believe that because herbal medicines are 'natural' they are safe, but this is not necessarily the case.

Therapeutic Uses of Medication

More and more OTC and herbal remedies are being used by individuals interested in 'self-care.' As an increasing number of OTC and herbal remedies have become available, more consumers are 'returning to natural sources' and seeking out natural forms of therapy. There are many medications previously that were only available via prescription that are now OTC, which has resulted in some financial repercussions including the fact that they are no longer covered by health benefit plans.

It is vital that all prescription remedies are developed and tested by drug companies, in order to meet government regulations with regard to safety and side effects, before they are released for dispensing. This is not the case however with herbal remedies, thus added ingredients may be included which may affect a persons' health.

Though herbal remedies are often viewed as 'safe' and 'harmless' there are many potential safety concerns including over-medicating, under medicating, drug to drug, drug to food and side effect problems. Herbal medications can interfere with other drugs and either exacerbate or lessen their effectiveness. It is vital therefore those consumers consult with their physician prior to taking any drugs in combination with herbal therapy.

There is a large body of evidence which suggests that the medical community is increasingly interested in alternative medicine as well; thirteen out of 16 Canadian medical schools for example offer educational curriculum on acupuncture and homeopathy among some of the more traditional topics (Silberstein & Spiegel, 2001).

There is also a movement to address the quality and efficacy of alternative supplements in Canada, where recently the pharmaceutical industry started manufacturing herbal remedies and McNeil Consumer Products received approval within Canada for the "release of Tanacent for the treatment of migraines (Silverstein & Spiegel, 2001). This drug is derived from an herbal medication, feverfew.

Conclusions/Analysis

There is a growing trend among consumers to 'self-medicate' or find natural remedies to help prevent and treat mild or acute illnesses. Because of this many consumers have turned to OTC remedies or natural remedies for support and healing.

Prescription remedies require that a consumer obtain a prescription from a licensed physician in Canada prior to disbursement. This extra step is often warranted, and assures a patient will receive a proper diagnosis before attempting to self-medicate. However, this is not to say that OTC or herbal remedies are not entirely safe. They can be used safely when consumers are properly educated regarding their side effects and potential hazards.

To some extent OTC medications are also regulated by Health Canada, which continually monitors the safety and efficacy of drugs on the market in Canada. The Canadian government considers such legislation and routine monitoring vital to the safety and well being of the Canadian consumer.

Recently an Office was also established to help monitor herbal remedies on the market, though these are the least adequately monitored drugs available. Thus, consumers interested in herbal remedies should take great care in selecting a medication to ensure that they are taking something that is safe given their medical history and current health status. Most consumers would benefit from consulting with their physicians regardless of whether they are considering herbal, OTC or prescription drug therapy.

References:

HC. (2004). "The regulation of prescription drugs: roles and responsibilities." Health

Canada. May 2004. Retrieved 7, December 2004: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/media/releases/2004/internet_pharmacybk1.htm

Longtin, D. & Miller, H.I. (2000). "Death by dietary supplement." Policy Review: 15

Ruedy J, Kaufman DM, MacLeod H. (1999). Alternative and complementary medicine in Canada: A survey. Can Med Assn J; 160:816-818

Silverstein, D.D. & Spiegel, A.D. (2001). "Are physicians aware of the risks of alternative medicine?" Journal of Community Health, 26(3):159