Dietary supplements and vitamins are likely popular products in your pharmacy’s front end. And, you probably recommend supplements and vitamins to your patients as needed.
Although you know the benefits and interactions of supplements and vitamins, it’s important to also understand the labeling regulations set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the procedures for marketing supplements to consumers set by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Dietary supplements are regulated by the FDA under the Dietary Supplement Health & Education Act (DSHEA); the regulation classified dietary supplements as food in 1994. The FTC regulates the marketing and advertising of these products under the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTCA).
Before you recommend another vitamin or supplement, be sure that you’re complying with the existing FDA and FTC regulations and requirements.
Here are five keys to properly recommend and discuss supplements with your patients, adapted from the Roadmap for Retailers by the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN).
1. Know the regulations
Since dietary supplements are regulated, it’s important that you understand the laws before you give recommendations to patients.
The FDA regulates product labeling, and the FTC ensures proper advertising of the products. It’s a good idea to be aware of different manufacturer labeling and that advertising is always truthful. For example, don’t put up signage in your pharmacy that claims a product can treat, cure or prevent disease.
2. Understand the label
The labels on dietary supplements can be confusing for patients, with the extensive list of ingredients, daily value percent and serving size. It’s important you fully understand and can explain the product if your patients have questions.
Also, be sure to educate your clerks and sales staff on labels, so they can answer simple questions. Here’s how to read a supplement label.
3. Encourage an open dialogue
Your independent community pharmacy delivers personalized service and care to your patients. The same should stand true when it comes to dietary supplements. Maintain an open dialogue with your patients by ensuring that a licensed pharmacist is available to answer questions about supplements. Clerks and sales staff can’t legally offer medical advice.
4. Educate your patients
As a pharmacist, you’re a trusted health care professional. With many dietary supplement and vitamin options available, your patients may be confused about which products might benefit them.
Your patients value your advice and medical expertise, so be sure that you’re the go-to expert when recommending supplements.
Familiarizing yourself with these products will help you make better recommendations and educate your patients. Attend training programs, trade association workshops and other industry educational efforts, so you can stay on top of emerging science, and policy and regulatory changes.
5. Be cautious of your recommendations
When a patient asks about a product, you may want to give an example of when a specific dietary supplement worked for another patient. However, with the FDA and FTC regulations, providing personal recommendations isn’t allowed. Not every product will work for every patient, so it’s critical that you and your staff remain cautious about sharing testimonials.
Learn 10 trends about dietary supplements before you make your next recommendation.
