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Complementary and Alternative Medicines Use by Cancer Patients and the Role of the Drug Information Pharmacist
Author(s) -
Mellor James D,
Sanders Julie,
Thakerar Arti
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of pharmacy practice and research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 22
eISSN - 2055-2335
pISSN - 1445-937X
DOI - 10.1002/j.2055-2335.2012.tb00165.x
Subject(s) - medicine , health professionals , alternative medicine , pharmacist , cancer , family medicine , drug , cancer drugs , cancer treatment , pharmacy , health care , pharmacology , pathology , economics , economic growth
Background Cancer patients are increasingly using complementary and alternative medicines (CAM). Oncology pharmacists need to be able to discuss CAM use with patients, and identify potential interactions with conventional cancer therapies. At the study oncology hospital, the Drug Information (DI) centre responds to around 25 complex inquiries on CAM each month. Aim To highlight the role of DI pharmacists in advising cancer patients and health professionals on the safe use of CAM with conventional cancer therapies. Method 3 case studies on CAM researched by the DI centre are presented. Conclusion DI pharmacists provide safe and informed advice to health professionals and patients on CAM use with conventional cancer therapies.