Herbal/Prescription Awareness Month

With herbal and alternative medicines becoming an increasingly popular means of supplementing diets and preventing illnesses among health-conscious consumers, it is important that we recognize the significance of Herbal/Prescription Awareness Month this July.

Although herbal and over-the-counter medicines can offer some health benefits to consumers, consumers are often unaware of the consequences of mixing dietary and herbal supplements with prescription drugs or of the potential side-effects of taking these supplements on their own. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) established a regulation in 2003 to ensure that labels accurately reflect the ingredients in dietary supplements, the FDA doesn't review or regulate herbal medicines and supplements before they are marketed to the public (via NurseZone).

As consumers trend towards "all natural" medicines and supplements, it is important that they remain cognizant of the potential repercussions. Promotional medicine dispensers imprinted with your company logo and a message reminding them to be mindful of mixing herbal and prescription drugs can go a long way and show employees that you care.