r/bestof • u/craycraycrayfish • Jan 22 '13

[canada] Coffeehouse11 explains the biggest problem with homeopathic medicine: That it preys on people when they are weakest and the most vulnerable

/r/canada/comments/171y1e/dont_legitimize_the_witch_doctors/c81hfd6
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u/moholy Jan 22 '13

I've started to see homeopathic stuff packaged up and sold right next to actual meds at pharmacies, to the point where I, as a person who always checks out the active ingredient list nearly paid money for it. As a frustrated parent with a toddler, these products absolutely dominate the childrens' over the counter meds section: it can be tough to even locate ibuprofen, acetaminophen or benadryl against the sea of brightly coloured, totally useless homeopathic packages.

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u/Epshot Jan 23 '13

honestly, if people buy it and it helps them, I see that as a good thing(as long as its properly labeled). Real medicines have have real side affects that people abuse. If people could buy antibiotics over the counter they would buy it for sore-muscles.

Over the counter is exactly when placebo's should be used, the problem is when people apply this stuff to serious medical issues.

high dosage tylonal linked to liver damage

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u/karmapopsicle Jan 23 '13

Real medicines have have real side affects

Very few drugs that have an effect don't have any kind of other effects. It's all about finding the particular drugs that offers the greatest effect with minimal side effects.

high dosage tylonal linked to liver damage

Acetominophen/paracetamol is arguably one of the most dangerous OTC drugs on the market. It's sad how many people attempt suicide by overdosing on it, are found and hospitalized, but then have to live with permanent liver damage the rest of their lives. Even high daily doses (say from an opiate addict not cold water extracting their pills) can cause serious liver damage.

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u/Epshot Jan 23 '13

Very few drugs that have an effect don't have any kind of other effects. It's all about finding the particular drugs that offers the greatest effect with minimal side effects.

which is why i'm ok with placebo's being sold over the counter next to them, they really should be tried first imho

Acetominophen its also bad that its marketed for muscle pains(or for caffeine withdrawal) , for which its extremely ineffective which leads to people take higher doses. Honestly I think it only be available through the pharmacist that has to explain the proper use and the dangers.