|
Nutravite Pharmaceuticals Inc. Box 2054 Kelowna, BC, V1X 2K4 Phone: 1-800-416-4474 Attention News/Health Editors: Nutravite Releases Publication that Warns of Interactions Between Herbs & Drugs KELOWNA, BC, April 07, 1999/CNW/ With the recent changes to the regulatory structure affecting natural health products, Nutravite has decided to make its "Natural Products Quick Reference Guide" available to the general public. This 48-page publication outlines the risks and benefits of the most popular natural remedies, including possible interactions with prescription medications. For example, patients using the heart medication Digitalis should not be taking Hawthorn berries unless supervised by a physician, as Hawthorn could affect the required Dosage:of the heart drug. Founder Sam Ibrahim is a German educated pharmacist with extensive training in the use of herbs. He says that "Some herbal products interact with medications prescribed by a physician and may have side effects. This is not to say herbal products are unsafe but, as with any medication, they should be used wisely and with the advice of a health professional." Nutravite’s publication provides detailed information on 42 popular remedies including their traditional uses, mode of action, drug interactions, and cautions. It is a full color handbook with illustrated pictures for each herb described. "We hope this will help fill the information gap", says President Farid Ibrahim. "Prior to the announcement by Health Minister Allan Rock our handbook was only made available to pharmacists and health professionals as a reference tool". The reason is that most herbs and supplements were regulated as foods under the old framework. Under the old guidelines suppliers were not allowed to make any health claims for their "food" products, but they were also not allowed to warn the consumer of any risks. "The coming changes make a lot of sense for the consumer" says Farid Ibrahim. "The new guidelines will allow for reasonable claims to be made for herbal products, as long as they are substantiated. But with this right comes the responsibility to warn consumers of any risks that may apply". The new framework also calls for the government to develop stringent quality control and labeling standards for the industry. A recent study of popular herbal brands by Wampole Canada found that all Nutravite products tested surpassed industry standards. Nutravite will send a free copy of its handbook to anyone who requests in writing. To receive a free handbook write to Nutravite and enclose a business size self-addressed envelope with 92 cents postage attached. Send to: Nutravite Inc., Box 2054 Kelowna BC V1X 4K6. Please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery. The information can also be viewed on-line at www.nutravite.com by clicking on the link called "Natural Products Quick Reference Guide". Nutravite is a quality supplier of herbs and supplements available at Canadian drugstores and health food stores.___________________________________________________________ Note to the editor: A copy of the Natural Products Quick Reference Guide is being mailed to all Canadian daily newspapers, community newspapers, TV stations, TV networks, radio stations, and consumer/health magazines during the week of April 12th, 1999. President Farid Ibrahim is available to answer media inquiries about quality control, industry standards, or the impact of the upcoming regulations. He can be reached at 1-800-416-4474 or farid@nutravite.com. |