FDA considering changing its policies on homeopathic medicine

WASHINGTON, April 19 (UPI) -- The Food and Drug Administration is considering changing its policies regarding homeopathic medicine.

Homeopathic remedies are sold in many pharmacies and supermarkets, but the products are typically sold without being FDA approved. Many reports have come out claiming the remedies not work and that any benefits are the result of a placebo effect.

The FDA will begin two days of hearings regarding homeopathic medicine starting Monday, and it has already received extensive public comment.

"At this stage, we are gathering information about whether to adjust our current enforcement policy," said Cynthia Schnedar, director of the Office of Compliance at the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, reported the Washington Post. She said the FDA has sent warning notices to 40 companies since 2009 regarding homeopathic products.

Homeopathic remedies are typically made with plants or minerals, but often are highly diluted or do not contain the labeled ingredient. Supporters say the essence of the ingredient remains.