The patient’s regimen of drugs and herbal products
A 30-year-old woman is in the clinic for her yearly gynecologic checkup. She is not pregnant but would like to have children soon and states that she and her husband are trying to conceive. She says that she is “very concerned” about her health, and watches her diet and exercises regularly to stay in shape.
She has a family history of heart disease but no other health concerns. Her physical assessment reveals no abnormalities or health problems.
She is taking:
- Echinacea, from September to March, to prevent the flu
- Adult aspirin, one tablet every day, to prevent heart attacks
- Garlic tablets twice a day for her heart
- Kava tea, as needed for relaxation
- One glass of red wine with dinner
- Valerian capsules for sleep, prn (3-4 times a week)
- Does the patient’s regimen of drugs and herbal products pose any risk for drug or herbal interactions? (Explain)
- Do any of these products have the potential for problems if used long-term?
- She tells you that she thinks that herbal products are “safe” because the government would not allow them to be sold if they were not. Is this true? (Explain your answer)
- What would you emphasize when teaching her about the use of herbal products and OTC drugs?
