Indication
All indications
RAG rating
n/a
Document type
Patient information
Place
Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB
Output type
Pharmacy / Prescribing
Information leaflet
Homeopathy-Patient-Information-Leaflet.docx

Homeopathy Patient Information Leaflet

Homeopathic remedies – Information for Patients

NHS guidance states that some treatments should not routinely be prescribed. This is because the treatments are:

·      Not as safe as other treatments OR

·      Not as good (effective) as other treatments OR

·      More expensive than other treatments that do the same thing.

This includes homeopathic remedies.

This document will explain why the changes are happening and where you can get more information and support.

What is homeopathy?

The basis of homeopathic "treatment" is that "like cures like". In other words, a substance that causes certain symptoms can also help to stop those symptoms.

Many homeopathic remedies are substances that have been diluted many times in water until there is none, or almost none, of the original substance left.

Why will homeopathic remedies not be prescribed anymore?

There has been a lot of investigation into whether homeopathy works, but there is no good-quality evidence that homeopathy is effective as a treatment for any health condition.

In 2017 a review done by the Specialist Pharmacy Service found no clear or robust evidence to support the use of homeopathy on the NHS. It noted a 2010 report done by the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee which found that there was no evidence for the use of homeopathy. The committee said that any benefit to patients was due to the "placebo effect”. A placebo effect means that there is no evidence homeopathy works any better than taking a sugar tablet, it appears to work because people think it will.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) does not recommend homeopathy for the treatment of any health condition.

 

In the past some homeopathic remedies have been prescribed on the NHS.  However, because the NHS needs to make sure that it only spends money on treatments that have evidence that they work, homeopathic remedies will no longer be prescribed on the NHS.

What can I do if I still want to take a homeopathic remedy?

Most homeopathic remedies can be bought over-the-counter from a pharmacy (chemist) or health food shop.  Homeopathic remedies are generally safe and the risk of a serious side effect from these remedies is thought to be small.

It may be harmful to use homeopathy instead of standard medicines, or instead of vaccinations. If you are considering this, speak to your pharmacist or prescriber for advice.

Where can I find more information and support?

You can speak to your local pharmacist, GP practice team or the person who prescribed the medication to you.

 

Find out more about the medicines that are being stopped or reduced: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/items-which-should-not-routinely-be-prescribed-in-primary-care-policy-guidance/

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