FDA Recall on "Homeopathic" Zicam Products
by Dr, Lauri Grossman (DC, CCH, RSHomNA)
"It says homeopathic on the label, then it must be safe." Such was the thinking of many before last week’s announcement that some over the counter homeopathic cold remedies resulted in the loss of the sense of smell. After years of little trouble (and little regulation) something went terribly awry. So we wonder, what was it that made things go wrong with Zicam’s nasal products? Why was Zicam recalled by the FDA?
First a little background: Homeopathy was founded in by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician disillusioned by the dangerous medical practices of his day (bloodletting with the application of leeches to name just one). Hahnemann based his new form of healing on the principle that “like cures like.” That is, if a substance can cause symptoms in a healthy person, then it can cure similar symptoms in a sick person.
When he noticed that slicing onions made people’s eyes tear and noses run, he sought out sick individuals suffering from those very same symptoms ( including many hayfever sufferers) and administered low doses of onion extract to trigger a healing response and cure. He did the same with bee venom, offering low doses of the substance known to cause redness, stinging pain, and inflammation to similar sufferers. In this way he helped many young children with conjunctivitis whose eyes were red, swollen, and painful.
Homeopathy spread and its popularity soared especially after its success in treating epidemic disease, most notably influenza during the epidemic of 1915. Homeopathic physicians went on to develop allergy shots and they were also the first ones to administer low doses of radiation in cancer treatment.
But the simple premise upon which it was founded was hard for many to grasp, especially when homeopathy’s medicines were manufactured in increasingly dilute amounts. Although this is what kept homeopathy such a safe form of healing, many came to think it was all smoke and mirrors. In the US especially, conventional physicians questioned whether high dilutions could have a healing effect at all. Homeopaths countered with claims that the method of preparation of remedies allowed for the retention of the therapeutic properties of the medicinal sources. Years passed and after countless clinical studies, the two camps remain divided.
Despite this, the number of people using homeopathy continues to swell. Rising costs for healthcare and increased concern about the harmful side effects of conventional medicines play a factor. So does the mounting call for green products and natural approaches to healing. The doubters can say what they will, but homeopathy is the now the fastest growing form of integrative medicine today and in countries round the world, it accounts for roughly 20% of the complementary and alternative medicine market. Boiron, the largest homeopathic manufacturer in the world, reports annual sales of 300-400 million euros!
Which brings me back to the issue of safety. Until recently, the makers of homeopathic remedies were dedicated to manufacturing homeopathic products alone. After extensive review, homeopathic remedies were sold as oral tablets and in a few rare cases, as topical gels and ointments. Only recently, did the intranasal method of application come onto the scene.
Until recently, people who were looking for homeopathic treatment visited professional homeopaths who, after lengthy consultations (typically 90 minutes long!) and detailed analysis of symptoms, selected medicines and designed extensive treatment plans with provision for follow up and review. Today, with the increase of self medication, the typical homeopathy consumer wanders into a pharmacy or health food store and pulls homeopathic remedies from the shelf that are selected with close to zero knowledge of the laws of homeopathic practice, homeopathic principles, or treatment guidelines. Without this knowledge, mistakes can be made and problems can happen. And that is where we are today. After 250 years of safe treatment, we have entered the age of homeopathic side effects, homeopathic recalls and homeopathic lawsuits.
When taken appropriately, homeopathic zinc products help to heal the nasal congestion, pressure, and discharges associated with the common cold. Inappropriately used, the very same medicines can exacerbate those symptoms. And yes, it can cause anosmia (loosing one's sense of smell). The homeopathic texts of old mention this, and professional homeopaths have known this as well. Now, the greater scientific community, too embedded in the debate over homeopathy being snake oil, is learning the hard way.
For years, I have cried for the inclusion of appropriate educational materials wherever homeopathic medicines are sold. Laboratories must stick to the time tested practices of safe homeopathic manufacturing. Shopkeepers need training and consumers need guidance.
As the scientific community continues its debate over the effectiveness of homeopathy, let us be mindful of the growing numbers of people who are purchasing homeopathic products. Even though some will call it snake oil forever more, others continue to swear by it. We are a Pro-Choice nation when it comes to healthcare. So let's keep things safe for those who wish to explore homeopathy as an option. FDA approval is only a first step. Educating today’s self reliant consumer is the next. Only then can we again say, “If homeopathy is on the label, then it must be safe.”
Editors note: The FDA's warning applies to Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel, Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs and Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs Kids Size, but does not affect Zicam oral zinc tablets or lozenges. And, Matrixx Initiatives' Zicam cold remedy products are "not prepared like true homeopathic remedies. Typical homeopathic remedies are much, much more dilute, often so dilute there are no molecules of the original substance left. The manufacturers of Zicam have simply adopted homeopathic nomenclature as a deceptive way to market a 10% solution of zinc gluconate without FDA oversight." Read more by Steve Coward, ND and Kristina Lewis, ND at www.homeopathic.org/articles/view,341
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