FDA to review homeopathy regulations in April meeting

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration will be hosting a public hearing on the current use of homeopathic medicines, as well as the agency’s regulatory framework for such products, on April 20 and 21.

 

The FDA will be evaluating both prescription homeopathic remedies and over-the-counter solutions. 

 

The agency is looking to explore attitudes toward homeopathic remedies from both consumers and healthcare providers, as well as explore a regulatory framework that can better assess the risks and benefits associated with these medicines. The agency also will consider regulatory frameworks from other countries. 

 

The agency will use the forum to examine whether some of the uses indicated for homeopathic remedies are appropriate for the OTC arena. For example, the agency two weeks ago issued a warning to consumers to avoid use of over-the-counter asthma products labeled as homeopathic as "the products have not been evaluated for safety and effectiveness."