Differences in perceived risks and benefits of herbal, over-the-counter conventional, and prescribed conventional, medicines, and the implications of this for the safe and effective use of herbal products.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate people's views about the efficacy and specific risks of herbal, over-the-counter (OTC) conventional, and prescribed conventional medicines, and their likelihood of taking a second (herbal or OTC conventional) product in addition to a prescribed medicine.


METHODS
Experiment 1 (1 factor within-participant design); Experiment 2 (1 factor between-participant design). Convenience samples of general population were given a hypothetical scenario and required to make a number of judgements.


RESULTS
People believed herbal remedies to be less effective, but less risky than OTC and prescribed conventional medicines. Herbal medicines were not seen as being safer simply because of their easier availability. Participants indicated that they would be more likely to take a herbal medicine than a conventional OTC medicine in addition to a prescribed medicine, and less likely to consult their doctor in advance.


CONCLUSIONS
People believe that herbal medicines are natural and relatively safe and can be used with less caution. People need to be given clear information about the risks and benefits of herbal medicines if they are to use such products safely and effectively.
Lynch
Natalie
N
School of Psychology, University of Reading, UK.
Berry
Dianne
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004358:Drug Therapy; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004363:Drug Utilization; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D012651:Self Medication; D006113:United Kingdom
D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D028321:Plant Preparations