Table 1 The key responsibilities of pharmacists when selling complementary medicines

1. Pharmacists should provide evidence-based recommendations to consumers regarding complementary medicines

2. Pharmacists should train all staff in a pharmacy to ensure that they provide evidence-based recommendations regarding complementary medicines and refer to a pharmacist when required

3. When providing advice, pharmacists should provide sufficient information for consumers to make informed decisions regarding complementary medicines

4. Pharmacists should setup the pharmacy so that consumers are provided an offer of advice from a pharmacist when purchasing complementary medicines; pharmacists should be available to provide that advice

5. Pharmacists must be vigilant for possible harms related to complementary medicines and intervene if risk of harm is significant