Complementary medicines - the risks of buying online

Unlike prescription medicines, complementary medicines can usually be bought without a doctor’s authorization. Many websites sell them, often at very low prices, which can look like a great deal. But buying these products online can be risky for a number of reasons.

A growing number of people use some form of complementary medicine, sometimes called complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Examples include herbal preparations, homeopathic products, and certain vitamin or mineral products. Whatever the therapy, medicine or treatment, it is important to understand both its potential benefits and its risks.

A complementary therapy may be safe and may work well for other people, yet still not be the best choice for you. Always talk to your regular doctor before starting a complementary therapy, and never stop a prescription medicine or change the dose without your doctor’s knowledge and approval.

Self-diagnosis is risky#

Searching for health and medical information is one of the most common things people do online, and many use it to help decide whether to seek medical care.

Easy access to health information, combined with pressure to take charge of your own health, can lead to self-diagnosis. You may then be tempted to self-medicate with products bought online. This is very risky. Always see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment advice.

Safety issues to consider#

The diagnosis may be wrong#

Self-medication can delay your visit to the doctor and mean you miss out on a proper diagnosis. Without proper medical care you may not receive the right treatment. With a serious illness, a delay can lead to more serious problems, including harm that could have been prevented, a condition becoming harder or impossible to cure, or even death.

The medicine itself may cause harm#

A complementary medicine may:

• cause unwanted side effects
• change the way your prescription medicines work
• interact with alcohol, other drugs or other treatments
• contain harmful ingredients that are not listed on the label

And if the product is not effective or appropriate, you are simply wasting your money.

“Natural” does not always mean “safe”#

Many people assume complementary medicines are safer than prescription medicines because they seem more natural. This is not always true. Complementary medicines should be treated with the same caution as prescription medicines, and you should always tell your doctor about anything you are taking or thinking of taking.

Rules covering these products vary from country to country, so a product bought from overseas may not meet the standards that apply where you live. For example:

• It may be regulated as a food or dietary supplement rather than a medicine, which can mean weaker controls over its use.
• It may contain substances that are restricted or illegal where you live.
• Some herbs, if not processed properly, can retain toxic compounds that cause unwanted side effects.
• A poorly manufactured product may be contaminated.

The product may contain dangerous ingredients#

Some herbal products and dietary supplements have been found to contain toxic substances, including heavy metals such as arsenic or mercury, pesticides, or microbes. A website may also provide little or no health and safety information or dosing guidance, which makes it impossible to make an informed decision.

A disreputable site may sell out-of-date, low-quality, fake or contaminated products. When you buy from overseas, you may also have little or no consumer protection if something goes wrong.

Watch out for “quack” treatments#

A “quack” treatment is any treatment whose claimed health benefits are false or misleading. Some products marketed as complementary medicines are really quack treatments.

Warning signs that a website may be selling a quack treatment include:

• claims that your prescription medicines are “poison” or that you should stop taking them
• a claim that the product replaces your prescription medication
• the promise of a cure for a condition that is currently incurable
• “evidence” that is only anecdotal rather than based on science
• suggestions that doctors reject the product because of a conspiracy
• advice to ignore or stop trusting your doctor

If you are thinking of buying online#

• Don’t self-medicate. Always see your regular doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan before taking a complementary medicine.
• Don’t rely on advice from family, friends or workmates who are not qualified to give it; they are unlikely to know your full health details or what is best for you.
• Ask your doctor to recommend a reputable supplier.
• Look for products that are made in a properly licensed and regulated facility.
• Use common sense, and never trust a site that offers a miracle cure for a condition known to be incurable.

If you are ever unsure, check with your doctor before taking anything.

Key points#

• Using products bought from online sites can be risky for many reasons.
• It is important to understand the potential benefits and risks of any therapy, medicine or treatment.
• Always see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment advice.
• Without proper medical attention, you may not receive the appropriate treatment for your condition.
• A complementary medicine itself may cause health problems.

Where to get help#