This presentation will focus on bringing a scientific perspective to "hot media topics" related to herbal medicine. For example, an update on the most recent evidence related to the safety and efficacy of herbs used to manage cold or (H1N1) flu symptoms, and herbs advertised to promote weight loss will be provided. The presentation will end with a review of good sources of evidence-based herbal information for the busy clinician.

An update on NHP regulation in Canada

Presenter: Michelle Boudreau, director general, Natural Health Products Directorate

An overview of the Natural Health Products Directorate and the Natural Health Products Regulations, covering such topics NHP labelling requirements and the standards of evidence used by the Directorate to assess NHPs before a product licence is issued.  NHP monographs and the licensed NHP database will be discussed, as will helpful tools that pharmacists can use to educate themselves and their patients about how natural health products are regulated in Canada.  The presentation will include a discussion of compliance and enforcement related to the sale of NHPs as we transition from an environment where few NHPs had been licensed to the current environment with nearly 20,000 licensed natural health products. Information sheets to help you inform your patients about NHPs will be available."

Natural health products and menopause

Presenter: Tannis Jurgens, College of Pharmacy, Dalhousie University

The use of natural health products to manage symptoms of menopause: separating the facts from fiction. Many women, looking for an alternative to hormone replacement therapy, turn to natural health products (NHPs) to manage hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause.  Consumers have an abundance of information available to them, from the internet and popular press, about the use of NHPs in menopause, yet many turn to their pharmacist for advice.  Pharmacists, therefore, need to be prepared to discuss the pros and cons of these products with consumers. The current state of evidence of efficacy, adverse effects and drug interactions for commonly used NHPs, such as black cohosh, soy, red clover, will be discussed.  Issues important to product content will be reviewed.

Pain management: marrying traditional and alternative therapies.

Presenter: Carolyn Whiskin BSc, Phm.
The Pharmacist’s Pivotal Role in the Identification and Treatment of Patients in Chronic Pain.

The majority of chronic pain patients are receiving inadequate treatment to manage their pain.  Pharmacists need to ask patients about their pain management and the nature of that pain in order to make appropriate recommendations. This presentation will focus on the integration of natural  and traditional remedies in the treatment of chronic non-malignant pain.  Adrenal fatigue and sleep will also be addressed as they are consequences of chronic pain.  Treat ment options will include: herbal, homeopathic and specialty compounded prescriptions.