(RxWiki News) Poorly manufactured homeopathic products can sometimes pose health risks, according to a new statement from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The FDA has issued a statement warning consumers about some homeopathic products. Although many of these products are considered safe, they are not reviewed by the FDA. That leaves some room for error, which is why it's important to speak with your doctor or local pharmacist before using any new homeopathic product.
The FDA said it was aware that people use these products to treat a variety of health conditions. Homeopathic products tend to be marketed as natural alternatives, which can lead the public to think they are always safe.
In many cases, these products may be safe. However, these products are not regulated by the FDA. That means the FDA has not reviewed the products' safety, whether the products work or their overall quality.
That's why it's important to always speak to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new homeopathic product. Your local pharmacist can help you choose a safe and helpful product.
Homeopathy is based on the idea that a substance that causes symptoms in a healthy person can be diluted and used to treat similar symptoms and illnesses in a person who is sick. That means these products are sometimes manufactured using poisonous materials or other potentially harmful substances.
Because of the nature of these materials, flaws in the production process can cause these products to become harmful. Poor manufacturing of homeopathic products can lead to a contaminated product or a product that is potentially toxic.
In addition, some products may be incorrectly labeled as homeopathic when they are not, in fact, homeopathic, according to the FDA.
The FDA has also raised concerns regarding the fact that these products are sometimes marketed as treatments for serious or life-threatening health conditions. This can lead to a delay in seeking medical care for a serious condition, which can delay diagnosis and proper treatment.
Speak with your local pharmacist about the safest and most effective option for treating your health condition.
Written by Anyssa Garza, PharmD, BCMAS
