Dietary Supplements & Herbs: The Regulation Gap

Many drugs are derived from plants (aspirin, digoxin, etc.). Herb products are also plant-derived; however, they are not considered drugs by the FDA.

Dietary supplements occupy a unique legal space. Unlike drugs, they are not regulated for safety or efficacy before hitting the market. For the pharmacist, the goal is to guide patients through the safety risks, drug interactions, and clinical evidence of these popular products.