Alternative Health Care Risks

When people use self-selected health products, whether conventional medicines or NHPs, there are possible side effects or risks that must be considered. Some of these are as follows:

• taking a product for a self-diagnosed condition that may be serious
  
• absence or delay in receiving effective supervised treatment
  
• for a medical condition
  
• interaction with prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, or other herbal products, which can result in other drugs having reduced or enhanced effects, including side effects or overdose
  
• allergic reactions

With NHPs, there are additional aspects to consider, such as the possibility that a plant species may have been misidentified, that the amount of an ingredient may vary from that stated on the label or between batches, or that the health-related claims may not be appropriate for the ingredients. The new regulations are intended to address these risks.

The Natural Health Products Directorate (NHPD) of Health Canada has developed regulations to ensure that all Canadians have ready access to natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality, while respecting freedom of choice and philosophical and cultural diversity. The NHP Regulations require that NHP health claims be supported by specific standards, and that products are made according to good manufacturing practices in licensed facilities.

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