September 2001: A recent letter to the Lancet describes the case of an 86-year-old lady who's antiplatelet medication failed to work due to a suspected interaction with an alternative therapy containing charcoal, which she was taking as an antiemetic. It took the practioners involved at least a week to discover the cause of the medication failure, and upon substitution with metaclopramide and a further course of myelobromol the platelet count returned to normal. The authors highlight the point that many patients may be taking alternative therapies but fail to mention it because they are embarrassed or feel they aren't relevant, and that medical practioners should be aware of this fact when taking a drug history. (Lancet, Letters, Volume 355 Issue 9208 Page 1019)

(Thanks to Michael Collins for telling us about this story.)

Do you have any experiences of patients taking charcoal?

Or have you seen any articles that you think may be relevant?

Don't forget to contact us and let us know!

August 2001: Herbal Triangle makes the BBC!

The BBC's radio 4 programme "You & Yours" aired an interview discussing Herbal Triangle on Monday 13th August.

The response has been very positive, and we'd like to thank everyone who has contacted us with suggestions or requests for information. Please keep them coming - we aim to give you the information you want to see!