A large US pharmacy chain is tracking herbal supplements and nonprescription remedies bought by its customers in order to warn them of potential interactions with prescribed drugs. Under its voluntary-disclosure program, CVS Corporation (www.corporate-ir.net/ireye/ir_site.zhtml?ticker=cvs&script=410&layout=7&item_id=69847) of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, asks customers to fill out a form listing all nonprescription medications and nutritional supplements they take. The information is entered into a confidential patient profile that generates a warning of possible interactions on the monograph supplied with each prescription. FIGURE
"We are deeply concerned that increased use of vitamin and herbal therapies can lead to an increased chance of potentially dangerous drug interactions," says Chris Bodine, CVS's senior vice president for pharmacy.
One example of a potentially problematic herb is St. John's wort, which is widely used to treat depression, anxiety, dermatologic conditions and bladder problems. However, Bodine said it can also inhibit the effectiveness of some heart medications.
CVS Corp. is the largest drug store chain in the US, with more than 4100 stores. The corporation's own research suggests that almost 40% of Americans do not advise their doctors when they self-medicate with herbal remedies. CVS encourages customers to inform both their pharmacists and physicians when they take dietary supplements or over-the-counter drugs.
The new warning system is available in all of the company's pharmacies, as well as at its Web site, www.cvs.com. The company has bought television air time and newspaper advertisements to promote the service. "We are the only major pharmacy in America to offer it, and thus far the program has been very well received by our customers," Bodine said.