The Propaganda for Reform in Proprietary Medicines, Vol. 1 of 2Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry (American Medical Association)
Science
The Propaganda for Reform in Proprietary Medicines, Vol. 1 of 2
Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry (American Medical Association)
Patent medicines
Finally, Venarsen is claimed to be “indicated” in pellagra,
tuberculosis, anemia, etc. No evidence is presented on which to base
an opinion as to its efficiency in pellagra. Those who have studied
that disease would not be likely to resort to this treatment. In
tuberculosis and anemia, there is no sufficient advantage in giving the
cacodylate intravenously.
To summarize, Venarsen treatment consists essentially in the
intravenous injection of large doses of sodium cacodylate. The
other ingredients, as well as the name, merely constitute so much
mystification. While the cacodylate probably has some effect on the
conditions for which it is advised, there is no evidence that its value
even approaches that of salvarsan in syphilis, or that the intravenous
use is preferable to the ordinary methods. The dangers are manifest,
although they may not be so great as with salvarsan. No justification
has been established for its use in tuberculosis and pellagra.
Physicians who wish to try intravenous cacodylate administration should
have a full realization of the dangers of such treatment, and in order
to avoid further risks, will do well to refrain from combining other
drugs with the cacodylate in fixed proportions.
It is recommended that Venarsen be held in conflict with Rule 6
(unwarranted therapeutic claims), Rule 7 (poisonous ingredients
not stated on label), Rule 8 (name does not express the chemical
composition) and Rule 10 (unscientific combination) and that this
report be published.--(_From The Journal A. M. A., May 22, 1915._)
VENODINE
Report of the Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry
Venodine (The Intravenous Products Co., Denver), according to
information sent to the Council, is “an Intravenous Iodine Compound”
put up in ampules each of which contains “28 grains of Sodium Iodide,
1/8 grain each of Beechwood Creosote and Guaiacol in a suitable
vehicle, and excipients to enhance its compatibility with the
circulating blood.”
The “Therapeutic Indications” include “infectious diseases, such as
syphilis, tuberculosis, bronchitis, bacteraemias associated with
chronic and acute nephritis (Bright’s disease), and other infections.”
The Council held as unwarranted and grossly exaggerated the following
therapeutic claims: (1) that the full therapeutic value of iodin
medication cannot be readily obtained except by intravenous injection;
(2) that Venodine is “of exceptional value in tuberculosis”; (3) that
in pneumonia Venodine “combines the anaesthetic properties of creosote
and guaiacol with the germicidal value of iodine”; (4) that “Venodine
(or its iodine component) has long enjoyed an exceptional reputation”
as of great value in many infectious diseases including bacteremias.
The facts on these points are the following:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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