Complementary medicines

Have you considered using complementary medicines as part of your breast cancer treatment?

Complementary medicines are sometimes used in addition to conventional medical treatments such as chemotherapy and hormone-blocking therapies. 

Some examples of complementary medicines include: 

It's your choice 

Should I use a complementary medicine?

Before you take any complementary medicines, it’s important to seek advice from your doctor. It is also important to let all your doctors (cancer specialists, other specialists, GP, etc.) know about any complementary medicines you are using.

Some complementary medicines can cause unwanted side effects. They can also interfere with prescription medicines – including breast cancer medicines – and can make your breast cancer treatments less effective. For example, vitamin C supplements can interfere with some chemotherapy treatments, and St John’s Wort can reduce the effectiveness of tamoxifen and some chemotherapies.

Sometimes your doctor may suggest you use a complementary medicine. For example, Vitamin D may be recommended for people being treated with an aromatase inhibitor (Arimidex, Femara, Aromasin). 

Check labels 

How are complementary medicines labelled?

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) ensures that all medicines available in Australia are safe to use. 

There are three types of complementary medicines that are available for supply in Australia that are given one of three codes by the TGA: 

Listed medicines and assessed listed medicines can be chosen by people rather than prescribed or recommended by a doctor or pharmacist. Almost all complementary medicines are listed.

Registered medicines are higher risk, and while some can be chosen by people, some are only available through a health professional.

For more information about what these labels mean in terms of risk and safety, see the TGA's complementary medicines information .