Statistics show that more than half the Australian population take pharmaceutical medications. The most prescribed drugs are statins, diabetic medications, blood pressure medications and pain killers. The most prescribed drugs are statins, diabetic medications, blood pressure medications and pain killers. Just as many Australians also reach out for supplements. These nutritional supplements include vitamins, minerals and herbal preparations.

What are the benefits of co-prescribing?

Sometimes it is necessary to take pharmaceutical medications. Especially when there is an acute health risk that needs to be managed. It is important that your doctor and other health professionals know what all your pharmaceutical medications and supplements are, so that you can all be taken safely together. Some medications and supplements may interact with each other causing unnecessary discomfort and potentially unwanted complications, sometimes dangerous. Prescribing alongside most pharmaceuticals can be safe and effective when their interactions and adverse interactions are known and respected. In many cases, regular monitoring may be necessary. A health professional needs to be consulted to provide safe recommendations. Also, some pharmaceuticals are known to deplete the body of some vitamins and nutrients. As a result, some supplements can be beneficial to correct this.

Are you taking too many supplements?

Many people like to self-prescribe, taking advice from their friends and consulting 'Dr Google'. Many people also stay on all supplements they have ever used so it is easy to take too many supplements. Dosing of supplements is as important as dosing of pharmaceutical medications. Without the right knowledge, it can be confusing to know the correct dosage required for a safe and effective outcome. It is important to know what works with what and how much to take. Understanding which supplements are useful at the time of taking them is a key to ensuring that they are beneficial. When taken correctly nutritional supplements can help in the overall management of chronic health conditions.