Zicam, homeopathic drugs: alert

[funchy]

For anyone who was interested in homeopathic drugs, please read:


Homeopathic drugs may harm - Nation & World - News & Observer

"The unsettling little secret of Zicam Cold Remedy finally spilled out this week. Though widely sold for years as a drug for colds, it was never tested by federal regulators for safety like other drugs. And that was perfectly legal -- until scores of consumers lost their sense of smell.

Zicam and hundreds of other homeopathic remedies -- highly diluted drugs made from natural ingredients -- are legally sold as treatments with explicit claims of medical benefit. Yet they don't require federal checks for safety, effectiveness or even the right ingredients....

but an Associated Press analysis of the Food and Drug Administration's side effect reports found that more than 800 homeopathic ingredients were potentially implicated in health problems last year. Complaints ranged from vomiting to attempted suicide."

They say to stop using Zicam (and similar nasal products).

The bigger picture is that none of these drugs are not tested for safety. Consumers should do their homework and treat the products with just as much respect as any other drug.