Patient's page.

At the start of any year, many people make New Year's resolutions, many of which involve getting in shape or losing weight. While this is an admirable goal, the way in which this is achieved should be carefully considered. Many companies market herbal supplements as an effective and safe method of weight loss, but the buyer beware: herbal products are not regulated by the FDA like other over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications.

What You Should Know about Herbal "Viagras"

* Herbal supplements that claim to enhance the libido have become very popular, with some products even claiming to contain the ingredients found in the prescription medications Viagra and Cialis.

* However, several serious side effects have been reported after use of these products. One supplement in particular, Avlimil Proprietary Blend, whose sales reached $110 million in the first year, has been linked with pancreatitis.

* Sexual dysfunction should not be ignored, but often patients are embarrassed to talk to a doctor about this problem and turn to the less conspicuous, but often more dangerous, alternative--herbal supplements.

* Remember, you are not alone: many people suffer from sexual dysfunction, and your doctor can recommend ways to help.

* Taken in part from "Pancreatitis in a Woman Taking an Herbal Supplement." by Dr. David Lesser and Dr. Paul Hillesheim. Southern Medical Journal. January 2007.

Weight Loss and Herbal Supplements

Herbal supplements are more convenient and are often cheaper than prescriptions, but they may carry side effects, including diarrhea, constipation, and sleeplessness and more serious complications, such as liver and kidney damage, pancreatitis, heart attacks, and even death. In addition, there have been a high number of drug interactions reported with the use of herbal products. In many cases, doctors and pharmacists are unaware if a patient is taking a supplement, and this can pose serious problems. Herbal products have been known to complicate surgery, raise blood pressure, and even cause bleeding in those patients who are taking blood thinning medication. And more studies are currently being conducted that are exploring other possible interactions and side effects from herbal products.

A Safer New Year's Resolution

The safest approach to weight loss is to avoid weight loss supplements, exercise regularly, and eat a nutritious, balanced diet within your recommended caloric intake. If you feel that you must try an herbal product, here are some recommendations for a safer experience:

* Always talk to your physician first.

* Inform your pharmacist of all supplements which you are taking.

* Only purchase single ingredient products. When herbals are mixed, it is more difficult to pinpoint interactions.

* Avoid supplements if you are taking any OTC or prescription medications, especially aspirin or aspirin-containing products, blood thinners, or blood pressure medication.

* Look for standarized supplements that state on the label "USP Dietary Supplement Verified," avoid claims that seem too good to be true, and be very careful about products manufactured outside of the United States.

Taken in part from "Pancreatitis after Herbal Supplement Consumption." by Dr. Mankanwal S. Sachdev. Southern Medical Journal. January 2007.

For more information, please visit the following web site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/herbal-supplements/SA00044.

Bridget Garland, MA