Content about homeopathy

AUDIO Q&A: DSN interviewed Frank King, King Bio president, who is introducing a new nonprescription inhaler for asthmatics, formulated with homeopathic ingredients, called AsthmaCare under its Safecare banner of products. As of Jan. 1, asthma products like the Primatine Mist inhaler became unavailable at retail — leaving consumers with few asthma care options in the OTC aisle.

NEW YORK — The National Advertising Division on Friday recommended that Matrixx Initiatives discontinue advertising claims that suggest its homeopathic Zicam Cold Remedy products prevent users from catching a cold.

Claims at issue were featured in an advertising campaign that depicted a “Cold Monster” and encouraged treatment with Zicam products at the “pre-cold” stage.

MILWAUKIE, Ore. — The American Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists on Wednesday honored Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, with an award of appreciation for introducing and supporting legislation that safeguards Americans' right to choose complementary health care. Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, Harkin has been a longtime supporter of patient access to homeopathic medicines, AAHP noted. 

SILVER SPRING, Md. — Last year the Food and Drug Administration warned parents against using the ingredient benzocaine in children to relieve oral pain. Children under the age of 2 years who are teething and given benzocaine should be under the supervision of a doctor, the agency warned.

NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. — Nelsons on Thursday launched Rescue Pearls, dissolvable gel capsules that provide relief from daily stress. Each pearl releases one dose of Rescue Remedy. 

Homeopathy is hopping. Sales of many of the homeopathy brands represent some of the fastest-growing products across the OTC landscape these days, as evidenced by the number of brands escalating on the top 10 lists across several categories. Overall, sales of homeopathic medicines totaled $1.3 billion for the 52 weeks ended Dec. 22, up 8% according to SPINS, which tracks sales across both the natural channel (excluding Whole Foods) and mass retailers.

RESTON, Va. — STS Health on Thursday announced the launch of its homeopathic cold and flu symptom reliever FluNada. 

"After years of intensive research and testing, this natural spray product has been developed to offer a new era of relief from common cold and flu-like symptoms," stated Steven Schwartz, who invented the product. "Each of the active ingredients integrated into the spray was chosen based on the specific health characteristics it provides. In addition, it was important to develop a product that was 100% free of zinc."

While the term homeopathy may remain as foreign to the American consumer as allopathy, as a relative “class” within each of the respective categories where homeopathic remedies exist, more and more shoppers are placing those homeopathic products in their baskets.

Similasan is one homeopathic company making a move into pediatric cough/cold. “Pharmacists have endorsed the Similasan brand,” noted Dan Quail, VP sales at Similasan, which will help bridge the eye/ear care sets with pediatric cough/cold. “So when mom goes into cough syrup, there’s a natural tie-in to take care of the ears and the eyes,” he said. “It’s a solution-driven process.”


NEWTON SQUARE, Pa. — Boiron on Monday named Janick Boudazin as president and CEO.

“There is a rising awareness of homeopathy happening nationwide,” Boudazin stated. “Healthcare professionals, especially pediatricians and nurses, are embracing natural medicines more and more. Consumers are looking for safe, natural and reliable choices when it comes to treatment options for themselves and their family members. Homeopathic medicines fulfill this important niche.”

AMITYVILLE, N.Y. — Drug maker Hi-Tech Pharmacal has bought a line of homeopathic nasal spray products from Dynova Labs, the company said Thursday.

Hi-Tech announced the acquisition of Sinus Buster and Allergy Buster for $1.25 million and an addition $1.25 million that it will deposit in an escrow account. The company also will pay Dynova a royalty on net sales for up to three and a half years or up to $1.75 million. The products, which Hi-Tech will sell through its Health Care Products over-the-counter division, had sales of $3.3 million in 2011.

The kids’ cough-cold space has become a significant category for homeopathic manufacturers. With the safety and efficacy of cough-cold medicines called into question several years ago, the category now is stocked with homeopathic remedies and reformulated/repackaged allopathic medicines.