Should the FDA Regulate High-Risk Homeopathic Products?

What’s the story?

The Food and Drug Administration plans to crack down on certain high-risk homeopathic remedies, including those marketed for children and the elderly.

"In recent years, we've seen a large uptick in products labeled as homeopathic that are being marketed for a wide array of diseases and conditions, from the common cold to cancer," FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., said in a statement announcing the new policy.

The public has 90 days to comment on the proposed changes here.

What is homeopathy?

Homeopathy is based on two theories:

• "Like cures like"—small amounts of substances that cause diseases can be used to treat illness.

• "Law of minimum dose"—the lower the dose of medication, the greater its effectiveness.

Popular homeopathic products include Cold-Eeze and Zicam Allergy Relief. These, and the majority of low-risk homeopathic brands, will remain on the market.

Like dietary supplements and vitamins, the FDA does not review the safety or effectiveness of homeopathic products before they’re sold.

Why does it matter?

"People may be putting their trust and money in therapies that bring little or no benefit in combating their ailments, or worse — in products that may cause serious and even irreparable harm," Gottlieb said.

Last year, the FDA warned consumers about teething tablets marketed by Hyland’s Homeopathic that were tied to seizures and deaths in infants. Later, the FDA found the products contained high levels of nightshade, a poisonous herb.

The American Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists said in a statement that the organization "shares the FDA's commitment to protecting public health" and "applauds the Agency’s plan to take quick action against illegal or unsafe homeopathic medicines.” They note that the move “would not materially affect the vast majority of homeopathic drug products available in the [U.S.].”

Critics of homeopathy welcomed the FDA’s proposal.

"I think that it's about time that these snake oil salesmen were held accountable for what they're selling," Paul Offit, a pediatrician at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, told NPR. "The consumer will clearly benefit."

What do you think?

Is homeopathy "snake oil"? Should the FDA regulate high-risk homeopathic products? Should they go further and regulate all homeopathic drugs? Have you tried homeopathy? Hit Take Action and tell your reps, then share your thoughts below.

And be sure to share your comments with the FDA here.

Take Action

—Josh Herman

Related Reading

• Should the FDA Continue Restricting an Abortion Pill?

• Smoke 'Em While You Got 'Em! FDA Wants to Lower Nicotine in Cigarettes.

(Photo Credit: vgajic / iStockphoto)