Document 0659
 DOCN  M95A0659
 TI    Considering alternative treatments. 
 DT    9510
 SO    Treat Rev. 1995 Mar/Apr;(no 17):7. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE
       AIDS/95700324
 AB    When considering alternative treatments for HIV infection it is
       important to first gather as much information on the treatment as
       possible. It was emphasized at the Fifth Annual Statewide HIV/AIDS
       Policy Conference that alternative medicine can be used to complement
       traditional medicine, such as helping the body handle some of the toxic
       side effects of AZT. There was skepticism about alternative medicines
       due to lack of knowledge and an unwillingness to learn about them.
       Patients need to communicate their interest in alternative practices
       with their doctors and request that their blood be closely monitored.
       Factors to consider when looking at alternative therapies are cost,
       convenience, and information availability and quality. Most alternative
       treatments have not been in clinical trials, therefore, information will
       need to be gathered through various sources, not just the company's
       sales pitch. One's doctor should be informed of the additional uses of
       alternative medicine so the doctor can look for interactions and
       positive/negative results.
 DE    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*THERAPY  *Alternative Medicine  HIV
       Infections/*THERAPY  Human  Physician-Patient Relations
       Zidovudine/ADVERSE EFFECTS  NEWSLETTER ARTICLE

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