Risks Associated With Undisclosed Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Clinical Practice.

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• Patient Safety
• Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

• Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widely used by American adults, with significant patient engagement.
• Most patients do not disclose their CAM use to healthcare providers.
• Physicians may lack familiarity with CAM, leading to underestimation of its clinical effects and potential toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the prevalence of CAM use among American adults.
• To underscore the risks associated with undisclosed CAM use, including adverse effects and drug interactions.
• To emphasize the critical need for enhanced physician education regarding CAM therapies.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of National Health Interview Survey data on CAM prevalence.
• Review of literature on adverse events, contamination, and drug interactions associated with CAM.
• Examination of clinical scenarios involving CAM, such as chelation therapy for nonconventional indications.

Main Results:

• CAM use is prevalent, with 36.7% of American adults reporting use in 2022.
• Undisclosed CAM use poses risks, including adverse effects, contamination-related harms, and potential drug interactions.
• CAM therapies, including chelation, can cause significant adverse effects that may be misdiagnosed.

Conclusions:

• There is a substantial need for comprehensive physician education on CAM treatments.
• Understanding CAM indications, effects, and interactions is crucial for patient safety.
• Improved communication and physician knowledge can mitigate risks associated with CAM use.