by Bobby Keith

Created on: July 05, 2008

Isn't it amazing how we Americans tend to believe that because something is approved, or regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it's safe? This is absolutely not the case!

In 1985, the FDA approved the antihistamine Seldane for public use. This drug immediately became popular because it relieved the symptoms of allergy and hay fever sufferers, without causing drowsiness. After millions of prescriptions had been written for this "safe" drug, it was discovered that Seldane could cause irregular heart rhythms in some patients, especially if it was taken in combination with certain types of other medication. Seldane was removed from the market by the FDA in 1997 after it approved the use of the drug Allegra, which came from the same makers of Seldane.

Fen-phen was an FDA approved drug that was used by millions for weight loss. In September 1997, the same FDA requested that the drug be taken off the market after valvular heart disease and primary pulmonary hypertension was reported in some patients that used this drug. Fen-phen has also been linked to other problems, such as memory loss, mood swings, and depression.

In 1999, the FDA approved the "miracle" pain killer Vioxx. This drug was deemed safe for use by children and adults alike. Again, millions of prescriptions were written for this drug, and patients began taking it on a daily basis. While the users of Vioxx were warned of several common side effects such as constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, gas, heartburn, upset stomach, and difficulty swallowing, it soon was linked to more serious problems, such as increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Because of this, the makers of this drug voluntarily recalled it in 2005.

These are just a few examples of prescription drugs that have been approved by the FDA as "safe", and later to be recalled because of dangerous side effects. And yet, these risks are not limited to just prescription drugs. Thoroughly read the label of your favorite over-the-counter medication. Many of these are link to serious health issues as well, especially after long term use. And these same "safe" drugs have been approved for use by the FDA.

While there is also some risk involved in the taking of natural supplements and herbal remedies, my research has found the risk to be minimal, at best, when compared to taking FDA approved medications. The human body is able to process natural substances much more efficiently than it is man-made chemicals which are foreign to it. This is why we see so few stories of natural supplements and herbal remedies being recalled, or law suits being filed against their makers.

Therefore, I cannot see any need, or advantage to the FDA regulating the use of natural supplements and herbal remedies.

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