L'uso dei fitoterapici in Italia: Indagine collaborativa SIFO-Federfarma in due regioni italiane

The use of products of herbal origin with «therapeutic» purpose is constantly increasing: consistently with the expansion of those who tend to qualify as safer what is natural and belong to tradition. Reports on herb-drug interactions and adverse effects have raised the awareness for the need of developing pharmacovigilance practices on herbal medicines. A study was performed by the SIFO-pharmacovigilance working group in collaboration with the Italian Association of Private Community Pharmacists (Federfarma), using an anonymous, structured questionnaire, with the aim to describe the use and the public opinion regarding the effectiveness and safety of remedies not registered as drugs. At the same time, an information leaflet on phytotherapy was elaborated and distributed to enrolled patients. Results are based on the questionnaires collected from June 1^st to July 15^th 2005 by 223 pharmacists working in private pharmacies of two Italian regions (Calabria and Lazio). Users of herbal remedies appear to be satisfied, with respect to their healing properties. The awareness of their potential risks, specifically when taken concomitantly with registered medicine, is substantially rare. The study has confirmed the relevant role of the pharmacist in the promotion of the right use of herbal drugs, often administered without medical advice, and could be seen as a model effort in promoting an active surveillance program with the direct involvement of clients.