Blackmores worked with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia to develop this range to ensure pharmacists have products that are specially formulated as a companion product to prescription medicines which can reduce the levels of certain nutrients.
The range is supported by scientific evidence that has been reviewed by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia who are confident that the range will improve patient outcomes.
“Pharmacists are among the most trusted health professionals and they are well positioned to understand the needs of their patients,” said Christine Holgate. “This range ensures the pharmacist becomes the advisor on supplements to take with prescription medicines as they have the expertise to make this recommendation.”
Kos Sclavos, National President of The Pharmacy Guild of Australia said, “As the most readily available health professionals, pharmacists are ideally placed to assist consumers to make informed decisions about complementary medicines and nutritional supplements. The Guild supports and applauds the work of Blackmores in contributing to pharmacist education in this area, in addition to their innovation with products to keep Australians healthy.”
Long-term drug therapy may have nutritional consequences and these are often overlooked or not well understood. As a result, alterations in nutritional status may occur, particularly if dietary intake is poor.
Blackmores Director of Education, Pam Stone, said “in patient care both drug therapy and nutritional support are critical. Certain medications can reduce levels of essential nutrients in the body. Most GPs and pharmacists are aware of the role probiotics can play alongside antibiotics and coenzyme Q10 alongside statins. However, there is also a need to consider zinc status in those taking certain antihypertensives, magnesium status in those taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and vitamin D status in those taking statins”.
The Blackmores Companions range will be available from October 2011.