RESEARCH ON KNOWLEDGE OF SIDE EFFECTS AND INTERACTIONS BETWEEN HERBAL AND CONVENTIONAL MEDICINES AMONG PATIENTS IN THE CITY OF TETOVA, NORTH MACEDONIA
Keywords:
herbal medicine, side effects, interactionsAbstract
herbal products are plant based products used as preventive or supportive therapy in the treatment of various diseases. Herbal medicines contain active substances that can cause side effects, allergic reactions, or interactions with other herbal or conventional drugs if not used according to a doctor’s or pharmacist’s recommendation. Therefore, the assumption that herbal medicines are free of side effects simply because they are natural is incorrect.. This study aims to investigate the use of herbal medicines in the city of Tetovo, patients' knowledge of the side effects and potential interactions between herbal and conventional medicines and the role of pharmacists and doctors in their prevention.The study was conducted based on a questionnaire carried out from February to May 2024 in the city of Tetovo, involving a total of 250 patients. The results indicated that 44.8% of the patients used herbal medicines, primarily for the treatment of various diseases (70.3%), while 20.7% used them as a preventive measure.It was determined that the majority of the patients using herbal products were women (62.2%) and the rate of using herbal products was higher in younger adults. The majority of patiens reported using preparations of Hedera helix, Althaea officinalis, Ginkgo biloba and Uva ursi. A total of 59% of patients used herbal medicines based on a doctor's recommendation, 18.9% based on a pharmacist’s recommendation, and most patients consider a doctor's recommendation for these medicines to be appropriate.Only 22.4% of patients who use herbal medicines are aware of their potential side effects, while 72.4% have used herbal and conventional medicines simultaneously. Furthermore, only 13.1% of patients have been informed by their doctor or pharmacist about possible interactions. The study has shown that doctors and pharmacists have a critical role in preventing side effects and potential interactions between herbal and conventional medicines,
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