To the Editor: The article by Harvey et al raises important concerns about the complementary medicine (CM) industry, particularly with respect to inappropriate marketing and advertising by some sponsors.1
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- 1. Harvey KJ, Korczak VS, Marron LJ, Newgreen DB. Commercialism, choice and consumer protection: regulation of complementary medicines in Australia. Med J Aust 2008; 188: 21-25. <MJA full text>
- 2. Therapeutic Goods Administration. Complementary Medicines Evaluation Committee (CMEC) [website]. http://www.tga.gov.au/docs/html/cmec/cmec.htm (accessed Jan 2008).
- 3. MacLennan AH, Wilson DH, Taylor AW. The escalating cost and prevalence of alternative medicine. Prev Med 2002; 35: 166-173.
- 4. Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code Council (TGACC) [website]. http://www.tgacc.com.au/index.cfm (accessed Jan 2008).
- 5. Cresswell A. Alternative medicines group backs curbs. The Australian 2008; 19 Jan. http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,251 97,23068700-23289,00.html (accessed 2 Jun 2008).
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I am an expert consultant to the TGA, serving on two committees, the Complementary Medicines Evaluation Committee and the Adverse Drug Reactions Advisory Committee. I am not involved with sponsorship and do not receive monies for any CM products. This letter reflects my personal views, which are not necessarily those of the Complementary Medicines Evaluation Committee or the TGA.