Madam, – We are appalled by the article “Alternatives to the pink stuff” (HEALTHplus, March 8th). Of the numerous worrying aspects to this credulous piece, two fundamental concerns stand out: 1. Parents are advised to treat children displaying several signs of meningitis and septicaemia with “fast-acting” homeopathic belladonna. 2. Parents are directed towards treating children who are at risk of developing febrile convulsions and other adverse outcomes related to the underlying causes of fever with homeopathic remedies as opposed to conventional treatments such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. These medicines have been shown to safely and effectively reduce fever in well-designed, peer-reviewed clinical trials and certified to be of the highest quality by the Irish Medicines Board.
Using homeopathic remedies only serves to increase the profit margins of homeopaths, health food shops and pharmacies that sell these products while providing no proven health benefits to children. Our over-riding concern as health care professionals is that the article, which could have devastating health implications for children, was read by many, but this critique will be read by few. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – I was most disappointed to read the latest article promoting homeopathy, (“Alternatives to the pink stuff” HEALTHplus, March 8th). The advice contained in it is reckless and irresponsible. Paracetamol is an effective antipyretic and analgesic. It relieves pain and suffering in children and helps prevent serious complications of childhood fevers such as febrile convulsions.
Homeopathic remedies are diluted to such a degree that they contain no active ingredient and thus have no effect. This article advocates the use of treatments known to be useless over treatment known to be effective. Your website states The Irish Times Trust was formed "with as its main object the securing and maintenance of The Irish Timesas 'an independent newspaper primarily concerned with serious issues for the benefit of the community throughout the whole of Ireland'."
This article achieves the opposite by exposing vulnerable members of our community to potential harm. It is a betrayal of the fine principles on which The Irish Timesis founded. – Yours, etc,