Homoeopathy on the NHS

[FSM with Cheddar]

<BEGIN RANT>
FSM jnr went to doctors yesterday with a mild ear ache. The Dr proscribed some homoeopathy tablets.

I don't mind if idiots want to go to a special clinic and pay lots of money for pseudo science, but don't waste the tax payers money proscribing it on the NHS.

I also wouldn't have minded if the Dr has said "There is nothing wrong with FSM jnr, just buy a packet of sweets to make her feel good."

Proscribing something that has no scientifically proven results is dishonest.
<END RANT>

[Mich the Tester]

I agree. Homeopathy is mumbo-jumbo and should have no place in modern medicine. Find another GP and question him on his beliefs in quackery.

[Pickle2]

Said Dr was probably on a good spiv from the drug rep. Cant really blame him if its a round at the belfry on offer. Im sure you'd do the same.

[PM-Junkie]

Before you diss all homoeopathic cures, I suggest you do a little research into the active ingredient(s) of a few common drugs. You may be a little surprised at the alternative sources of those active ingredients.

Bear in mind that the FDA has the US by the short an curlies to the extent that a drug company can argue that it is an offence to say that anything can cure an ailment apart from a drug. It's less of a problem here...but there is still a tendency for GPs just to prescribe a pill when it isn't necessary.

Hopefully we'll never reach the stage it's reached in the US where people can get a pill for "shyness" - but having worked at a pharmaceutical company and seen the underhand marketing practices they use, and the "risk analysis" they perform on drugs, I don't trust them.

[Ruprect]

Did it cure FSM Jr?

[Ruprect]

<BEGIN RANT>
FSM jnr went to doctors yesterday with a mild ear ache. The Dr proscribed some homoeopathy tablets.
<END RANT>

HANG ON A MINUTE.... isn't homeopathy supposed to be dilution in water? In which case how can you have tablets?

Anyone watch house? See the one where he got the sweets out of the dispenser, put them in a pill jar and gave them to the hyperchondriac?

[FSM with Cheddar]

there is still a tendency for GPs just to prescribe a pill when it isn't necessary.

Yes definitely agree.

Where tablets are not required, the doctor should be honest and say that.

All little FSM needed was a lollipop and a pat on the head.

[Mich the Tester]

Before you diss all homoeopathic cures, I suggest you do a little research into the active ingredient(s) of a few common drugs. You may be a little surprised at the alternative sources of those active ingredients.

Bear in mind that the FDA has the US by the short an curlies to the extent that a drug company can argue that it is an offence to say that anything can cure an ailment apart from a drug. It's less of a problem here...but there is still a tendency for GPs just to prescribe a pill when it isn't necessary.

Hopefully we'll never reach the stage it's reached in the US where people can get a pill for "shyness" - but having worked at a pharmaceutical company and seen the underhand marketing practices they use, and the "risk analysis" they perform on drugs, I don't trust them.

You argumuent is a non-sequitur. You've pointed out that pharmaceutical companies might use 'alternative' sources (whatever they are) for their active ingredients and some follow 'underhand' marketing practices (whatever they are); that doesn't have any bearing at all on the nonsense of homeopathy.

It doesn't follow that if pharmaceutical firms don't do a good job that homeopathists might be innocent of quackery.

[sasguru]

Before you diss all homoeopathic cures, I suggest you do a little research into the active ingredient(s) of a few common drugs. You may be a little surprised at the alternative sources of those active ingredients.
Bear in mind that the FDA has the US by the short an curlies to the extent that a drug company can argue that it is an offence to say that anything can cure an ailment apart from a drug. It's less of a problem here...but there is still a tendency for GPs just to prescribe a pill when it isn't necessary.

Hopefully we'll never reach the stage it's reached in the US where people can get a pill for "shyness" - but having worked at a pharmaceutical company and seen the underhand marketing practices they use, and the "risk analysis" they perform on drugs, I don't trust them.

You clearly know nothing about pharma or drug development.

Homeopathy has nothing to do with ingredients. It's a completely bollux idea that if you dilute something to the nth degree it still has an effect, because the water it is dissolved in retains a "memory" of it.

There is no such thing as "risk analysis" of new drugs. It's called clinical trials and there are tried, tested and more importantly, regulated, procedures to be followed.

[FSM with Cheddar]

HANG ON A MINUTE.... isn't homeopathy supposed to be dilution in water? In which case how can you have tablets?

Anyone watch house? See the one where he got the sweets out of the dispenser, put them in a pill jar and gave them to the hyperchondriac?

Yeah, I was wondering the same. Perhaps after they have done all the dilution mumbo jumbo they put a drop of the water onto a chalk tablet.