Diet pills after chemeotherapy

Its been eight months after i finished my chemeotherapy and radiation therapy. During the treatment i lost 20 pounds. Two months ago i started to gain weight which most people would think is great but for me is a big deal. I went to a doctor and he recommended me some herbal diet pills (he assured me they dont contain any kind of anphetamines). I want to know if they are dangerous for me, if the will alter my blood tests, if there is any risk of getting cancer again because of them?

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear vanesa:  Herbal remedies are not regulated by the FDA or any other agency.  Therefore, there is no way to validate ingredients or their concentrations.  In most cases, herbal remedies are not likely to be harmful, although some chemicals in these "herbal remedies" have been linked to some scary health problems.  Clearly, herbal remedies have not been scientifically researched and, therefore, neither help nor harm can be proven.  Your best approach to avoiding weight gain is probably to see a dietician who can advise you on appropriate food choices and volumes and/or consider a group like weight watchers.  You should discuss any diet pills with your oncologist.