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. 2015 Feb 16:11:247-53.
doi: 10.2147/TCRM.S78124. eCollection 2015.

Reducing drug-herb interaction risk with a computerized reminder system

Sheng-Shing Lin  1 , Chiu-Lin Tsai  2 , Ching-Yeh Tu  2 , Ching-Liang Hsieh  3
Affiliations

Reducing drug-herb interaction risk with a computerized reminder system

Sheng-Shing Lin et al. Ther Clin Risk Manag. .

Abstract

Background: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine are both popular in Taiwan. Approximately 14.1% of Taiwanese residents use Western drugs and Chinese herbs concurrently; therefore, drug-herb interaction is critical to patient safety. This paper presents a new procedure for reducing the risk of drug interactions.

Methods: Hospital computer systems are modified to ensure that drug-herb interactions are automatically detected when a TCM practitioner is writing a prescription. A pop-up reminder appears, warning of interactions, and the practitioner may adjust doses, delete herbs, or leave the prescription unchanged. A pharmacist will receive interaction information through the system and provide health education to the patient.

Results: During the 2011-2013 study period, 256 patients received 891 herbal prescriptions with potential drug-herb interactions. Three of the 50 patients who concurrently used ginseng and antidiabetic drugs manifested hypoglycemia (fasting blood sugar level ≤70 mg/dL).

Conclusion: Drug-herb interactions can cause adverse reactions. A computerized reminder system can enable TCM practitioners to reduce the risk of drug-herb interactions. In addition, health education for patients is crucial in avoiding adverse reaction by the interactions.

Keywords: Traditional Chinese medicine; Western medicine; adverse reaction.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Drug–herb interactions: from source articles to database.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Reminder system for drug–herb interactions.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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