FDA Warnings Against Homeopathic Medicines Part 2 of 2

FDA Warnings Against Homeopathic Medicines Part 2 of 2

The FDA’s position on homeopathic injectables puts safe homeopathic pain and cancer therapies in jeopardy.  Homeopathic mistletoe for injection is a safe cancer therapy that has been used for years.  Studies show that mistletoe can improve symptoms and quality of life, and reduce chemotherapy and radiotherapy side effects in pancreatic, lung, colorectal, and breast cancers, among others.  Another product the FDA has targeted is Traumeel, a prescription-only homeopathic medicine for pain.  According to the manufacturer, out of more than 200 million ampules sold, there have been only 154 adverse reactions, with only 7 serious adverse events.  Traumeel is an alternative to opiods, which in 2017 alone killed 47,000 Americans.  A randomized controlled trial found Traumeel to be effective in post-chemotherapy inflammation of the mouth and lips.

The FDA has very serious questions to answer.  Why are safer alternatives to dangerous opioids, like Traumeel and CBD, being systematically attacked by this agency?  Why is the FDA focusing on homeopathic medicines that are far safer than the pharmaceutical drugs – or even foods – they approve?   The FDA gets a large part of its funding from drug company user fees.  Homeopathic medicines, like supplements and other natural products, compete with pharmaceutical drugs, so the FDA uses its power to tilt the scales in favor of the drug companies.  And because natural products and homeopathic medicines generally cannot be patent-protected like drugs can, they can’t afford hugely expensive drug trials for FDA approval and so cannot make disease claims.  It is one among many ways that healthcare is being undermined in our country.

The Nevada Homeopathic Board asks that everyone sign their petition and contact their senators, representatives, and the FDA to reform our healthcare system that bars and undermines natural options like homeopathic medicine.  You can take action here:  https://secure3.convio.net/aahf/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=3589

Terry Pfau DO, HMD