Homeopathic medications are regulated by the FDA

[Why Syzygy]

Homeopathic Pharmacists' Association Highlights the Extraordinary Safety Record of Homeopathic Medicines

SANTA ROSA, Calif., June 19 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists (AAHP) acknowledges the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) action to protect the public by sending a Warning Letter to Matrixx Innovations, Inc., in connection with that company's sale of Zicam intranasal zinc medications. According to the FDA, these intranasal zinc products have been associated with a number of cases of loss of smell. Matrixx now has an opportunity to respond to the FDA's concerns about the safety of its products.

However, the AAHP feels it is necessary to clarify misleading issues raised in a nationally syndicated Associated Press article, "Zicam Not Alone in Side Effect Reports," which questions the safety of homeopathic medicines in general. Consumers and healthcare professionals alike should be assured that the FDA's action in regard to certain Zicam products does not apply to this class of drugs as a whole. Rather, the FDA's advisory relates only to the nasal application of a specific zinc product.

Homeopathic medications are regulated by the FDA and have been used safely in the United States since before the passage of the 1938 federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Homeopathic medicines have an extraordinary record of safety. The FDA's Compliance Policy Guide (CPG 7132.15) "Conditions Under Which Homeopathic Drugs May be Marketed" has been an effective and workable way to regulate homeopathic drugs since 1988 and, as shown by the FDA's action on June 16, it allows the FDA to take action when action is required to protect the public.

To learn more about the regulatory process and the association's work to better the understanding and appreciation of homeopathic medicines by both professionals and consumers, visit www.homeopathicpharmacy.org.

About the AAHP

Founded in 1923, the AAHP is a not-for-profit corporation of the State Commonwealth of Virginia, representing the interests of homeopathic manufacturers, distributors, and individual pharmacists in cooperative efforts with regulatory agencies and other organizations nationally.

The AAHP functions as a trade association within the homeopathic pharmaceutical industry to represent the opinions and interests of homeopathic product manufacturers and distributors, the FDA, other regulatory agencies and other trade associations. In addition, the association promotes high standards in manufacturing and distributing, communicates regulatory changes to member companies through a regular newsletter, and promotes professional communication, education, and research within the homeopathic community.

http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/06-19-2009/0005047097&EDATE=