Use of herbal remedies and potential drug interactions in rheumatology outpatients

Although the use of complementary and alternative therapies by rheumatology outpatients is increasingly acknowledged,1 little attention has been given to the safety of these treatments. Herbal and over the counter remedies are currently exempt from legislation governing conventional drugs such as quality control and post-marketing surveillance. The European Parliament has approved a directive proposed by the European Commission on traditional herbal medicines.2 Once this directive comes into force, legislation in the UK will follow and may lead to a registration scheme for traditional herbal remedies. It has been suggested that transitional licensing agreements will take at least 5½ years to establish.3 Until that time, it …