Use of complementary medicine in systemic lupus erythematosus patients in Malaysia

Abstract

AbstractAim: To determine the prevalence of the use of complementary medicine in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Method: A prospective survey was conducted of 132 patients using a standard questionnaire.Results: Of the 132 patients, 15.2% were on alternative therapy and 56.7% were taking food supplements. The common types of alternative therapy taken were oral traditional herbs (50%) and noni juice (20%). Vitamin C, calcium, vitamin E, vitamin B, Spirulina, evening primrose oil, fish oil and multivitamins were the commonest food supplements. There was no significant relationships between taking alternative treatment and educational level (P = 0.16), income (P = 0.05) or race (P = 0.42) of the patients. The majority of these patients took these therapies or supplements for up to 1 year. Up to 70% of the patients had not consulted a doctor before taking these therapies, with immediate family members and friends being the main sources of recommendation. The majority of patients spent RM50−RM500 (US$13−US$132) for 2 months’ supply of medications. In conclusion, 15.2% of SLE patients in our study were on alternative therapy and 57.6% on food supplements.Conclusion: Physicians should be aware of these practices which should be taken into account during the history‐taking and subsequent management of the patients.