As for prescription drugs that are affected by St John's Wort, the FDA says it is working with the makers of protease inhibitors to revise their labels to reflect the interaction. Right now, it's really up to doctors, nurses and pharmacists to advise patients of the possible interaction with St. John's Wort. Now if a problem arises, the FDA takes action and removes the product from the market. But, because herbals are sold as foods, they are not tested and regulated as drugs. There is going to be an FDA hearing on effedra, which is an herbal supplement.
Many people use it for weight loss.
There will be a hearing on that on August 8 in Washington. People on both sides of the effedra issue will be present. The above is an edited transcript of the chat. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you.