AAHP updates about the sale of homeopathic medicines to prevent the flu

Recent news articles regarding the scarcity of the "flu shot" (or influenza inoculations) have been widespread. The shortage of the material, due to manufacturing and regulatory issues, has led to increased interest in homeopathic Influenzinum.

The American Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists (AAHP), representing the major manufacturers and distributors of homeopathic drugs, wishes to inform the public of its view of the sale of homeopathic medicines to prevent the flu.

There is no homeopathic literature, nor clinical trials, which adequately support a homeopathic drug, and more specifically homeopathic Influenzinum, for use as prophylaxis for influenza. In addition any product labeled for prophylaxis of flu is prescription in nature, according to U.S. Food and Drug Administration's drug labeling guidelines, and is an inappropriate use of any product sold over the counter (or as a nonprescription drug).

Appropriate use of homeopathic medicines according to the principle of similars involves the matching of symptoms in the diseased state with those symptoms caused by a specific substance in its homeopathic drug proving. As such, homeopathic medicines are used principally for the treatment of presented symptoms manifested in the individual as a result of the "flu" rather than the agent that caused the symptoms. Literature supports the use of homeopathic Influenzinum for symptoms of fever, chills, diarrhea and cough, among others. In addition, the changing strains of influenza make it virtually impossible to assess the usefulness of a particular strain within that same year of disease proliferation. Accordingly, the AAHP makes clear its position that marketers, including Web sites, selling homeopathic medicines as over-the-counter products for epidemic and infectious diseases may be in violation of federal and state law.

When properly used by trained medical professionals, some homeopathic medicines have been shown to be useful against an epidemic disease. However, most infectious diseases require medical intervention, because an absolute confirmation of infection with a particular disease-causing organism requires laboratory testing. Infectious diseases may not be self-limiting and require medical diagnosis or monitoring. In light of the foregoing, it is inappropriate for a homeopathic drug product to be sold over the counter while being promoted in any way for any such infectious disease.