FDA Warns Asthma Patients About Homeopathic Remedies

The FDA wants consumers to be aware of the risks associated with over-the-counter homeopathic remedies for asthma.

In March, the FDA issued a warning to consumers advising them not to rely on such products.

The FDA says there are many homeopathic products sold via the internet and at retail stores that are labeled as being indicated for the treatment of either acute asthma symptoms or for temporary relief of minor asthma symptoms.

Many of these products are labeled “natural” or “safe and effective.” The federal agency says it has not evaluated the safety and effectiveness of these homeopathic products for asthma.

Homeopathy & Asthma

More than just an occasional nuisance, asthma can be a serious and life-threatening chronic condition. Without treatment, asthma patients may experience episodes of wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. More extreme episodes may require emergency treatment.

The FDA notes that although there is no cure for asthma, there are many treatments for asthma symptoms, both prescription and over-the-counter, that the agency has evaluated and found both safe and effective.

The FDA recommends that asthma patients consult their doctors about what remedies might be most appropriate for their particular condition. The agency invites physicians and patients to report any adverse events or side effects related to over-the-counter homeopathic asthma remedies to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting System.

What is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a type of alternative medicine that originated in Germany in the 18th century. It’s based on the premise that administering a miniscule amount of some substance that causes a particular condition can help a patient overcome that condition. The theory is that a small amount of that substance will help the body heal itself.

The substances used in homeopathic treatments may be chemical compounds as in conventional pharmacology, or they can be derived from a large array of natural products – animal, mineral or vegetable.

According to the British Homeopathic Association, some substances that can be used in homeopathic asthma treatments include Blatta orientalis (a “large dark Oriental cockroach”), Ipecacuanha (extracted from the dried roots of a shrub native to Brazil), and Lobelia inflate (Indian tobacco).

Homeopathy has found application to treat many chronic illnesses like allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, atopic dermatitis, and irritable bowel syndrome. It’s also been used to treat minor injuries. However, it’s not considered a suitable approach for certain other diseases like cancer, heart disease, or major infections.

Homeopathic practitioners use dilution to measure out the right amount of the substance to be administered. The labels for these products often show information about the dilution used, which shows up as combinations of letters and numbers like “LM1,” “6X,” or “30C.” The FDA notes that some of the subject products of its warning can be identified by this labeling.

Critics of homeopathy says that dilution leaves too little of the substance to have any effect, good or bad, and that the placebo effect is a better explanation for any beneficial outcome.

While homeopathy in general is considered safe, the FDA’s warning appears focused specifically on homeopathic asthma remedies sold over-the-counter.

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