Homeopathic or “Natural” Remedies Carry Risks

Several recent recalls illustrate the dangers that can be posed by homeopathic or "natural" health remedies, which generally aren’t required to go through the same kind of FDA-approval process as prescription drugs. Often, people mistakenly believe that products labeled homeopathic or "natural" are automatically safe.

In May 2009, Hydroxycut dietary products were recalled from the market after the products were linked to liver damage. Hydroxycut products are used for weight loss, as energy enhancers and fat burners. Iovate Health Sciences Inc. marketed Hydroxycut, and the products were widely distributed in grocery stores, health food stores and pharmacies. At the time of the recall, the FDA recommended that people immediately stop using Hydroxycut products.

In June 2009, consumers and doctors were notified by the FDA and Hi Tech Pharmaceuticals that Stamina Rx products were recalled. Stamina Rx was sold nationwide in health food stores and drug stores, and was marketed as a natural male enhancement product. The FDA determined that Stamina Rx contained an undeclared ingredient – the drug benzamidenafil, which is in the same class of drugs as some that are FDA-approved to treat erectile dysfunction. Benzamidenafil is not FDA-approved, and may interact dangerously with some other drugs and cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Consumers are urged to stop using Stamina Rx products immediately.

Another recent homeopathic remedy recall involved Zicam. Some Zicam nasal cold remedies were recalled by Matrixx Initiatives in June 2009, after the FDA warned that the products were unsafe. The FDA issued its warning about Zicam after hundres of reports that people lost their sense of smell after using Zicam. According to the FDA, Zicam products were also unlawfully marketed. Over the past several years, Matrixx, the maker of Zicam, has settled hundres of lawsuits regarding Zicam. Matrixx is also being investigated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

For over 25 years, Sheller P.C. has aggressively represented individuals and classes of individuals who have been injured by defective products, including pharmaceuticals and medical devices. We also represent those who have suffered injuries due to other causes, such as inadequate medical treatment , improper business practices, or accidents.