Impact of food and herbal medication on calcineurin inhibitor dose in renal transplant patients: a cross-sectional study.

The incidence and severity of interactions of herbal products with calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) metabolism in renal transplant recipients have not been systematically investigated. These patients have a high rate of herbal product consumption, including products interfering with CNI metabolism. The study aimed at identifying an impact of herbs and foods on CNI metabolism in a cohort of renal transplant recipients by conducting dietary interviews (1) in patients with very low and high CNI maintenance dose requirements and (2) by retrospective analysis of unexplained marked deviations from CNI baseline trough levels.

Complementary and alternative medications consumed by renal patients in southern Germany.

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is frequently used in the general population, yet scant data are available regarding the prevalence of these medications in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Objective: To survey patients with ESRD regarding their use of CAM and health foods.

Methods: Consecutive patients treated with dialysis or renal transplantation for ESRD were approached by nephrologists of 5 renal centers to report their usage of and knowledge on CAM and health foods by answering a questionnaire.