Scammed by pharmacist.

[Richard Masters]

The past four days I've had a sore throat with an earache. I went to the local pharmacy and asked for an OTC drug to help with the symptoms.

The pharmacist matter-of-factly recommended Cold-Eeze. Since it was right next to other cold medicines, and since it was a pharmacist, and since it had an "active ingredient" on the back label, I assumed that it was an actual medication.

I was totally wrong.

Not only did it not help at all with my symptoms, (I figured my throat would go numb) but it tasted like mildly sweetened coagulated spit.

A few days later, I notice that the label reads: "Homeopathic".

So today, after four days of misery, I went back to the pharmacy and got myself something with Benzocaine and Dextromethorphan.

On my way through the self-check out lane, the computer beeps at me and warns me that the item needs to be approved by a store clerk. That's pretty insulting if you ask me.

So the store clerk eventually makes his way to me and scans his badge.

I've only taken one tablet and I already feel better.

God damn!

 

[Newtons Bit]

I would chew out the pharmacist. They should know better, ffs.

 

[Ron Swanson]

Better report him ... pharmacists must have some kind of regulatory board?

 

[jimtron]

I think the "homeopathic" label is wrong in this case...IIRC, Coldeze does have an active ingredient of zinc, which has shown some effectiveness in reducing the duration of colds?

ETA: OK, maybe not too effective, but it might have a slight effect on shortening colds:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zinc_gluconate#Zinc_and_the_common_cold

Each lozenge has 13.3mg of zinc--that's not homeopathic, right?
http://www.coldeeze.com/medical-info/

 

[Soapy Sam]

I suppose all medicines are homoeopathic in the sense of having non-existent concentrations of pretty well everything, up to and including neutronium.

 

[marplots]

Yep, it's become a worthwhile add-on to labels, even when it doesn't strictly apply. Homeopathic gives rise to feelings of "natural" and "safe."

So even if your product has real ingredients, might as well tack that on the label too. I mean, who's gonna complain, the strictly regulated homeopathic board of standards?

It's the equivalent of adding a splash label to your lard, "Sugar-Free!"

 

[Driftwood]

I've always found such labels to be interesting. "All natural!" Well, that's great, because uranium is also all natural, and we all know how fast that stuff can clear a sinus infection!

 

[Tracy Dalziel]

From what I've heard, a lot of OTC meds for colds, flu and congestion aren't effective even if not homeopathic, at least not anymore so than their paracetamol component alone. Some contain decongestants/antihistamines in subactive amounts. Dextromethorphan is a mild opiate, which explains the bleep.

 

[Emet]

Dextromethorphan can be used recreationally:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dextromethorphan#Uses

Treating The Common Cold
(...)
What Works

There is a short list of treatments that do seem to have some benefit. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, can reduce many of the symptoms of a cold – sore throat, inflamed mucosa, aches, and fever. Acetaminophen may help with the pain and fever, but it is not anti-inflammatory and so will not work as well. NSAIDs basically take the edge off, and may make it easier to sleep.

Decongestants may also be of mild benefit.
(...)
What Does Not Work

In short – everything else.

Over the counter (OTC) cough suppressants simply do not work and are not safe in children.
(...)
Finally, there is some evidence that zinc or zinc oxide may reduce symptoms of a cold, but this evidence is mixed and unconvincing at present. At best the benefit is very mild (again, likely within the noise of such studies).

http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/?p=10823