Safe Use of Complementary Health Products and Practices

Patient sits on bed while health care professional reviews chart.

If you’re considering using a dietary supplement or other natural product for pain, check with your health care provider to make sure it’s safe for you. The fact that a product is “natural” doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s harmless.

Some dietary supplements may have side effects, and some may interact with medications. Also, there have been instances when products with hidden, illegal ingredients have been marketed as dietary supplements. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned the public about several dietary supplements promoted for arthritis or pain that were tainted with prescription drugs.