The advertising matter on Alcresta Ipecac also contained statements to the effect that ipecac alkaloids have a demonstrated usefulness in pyorrhea. Such an unequivocal statement is unwarranted. In spite of the enthusiastic advocacy, in the past, of ipecac alkaloids as a specific in pyorrhea alveolaris the preponderance of scientific evidence indicates that ipecac is of questionable value in this condition. Neither is there any substantial evidence to warrant the claim that ipecac alkaloids, when absorbed through the intestines, are demonstrably useful in amebic infections of the tonsils.
The reputation of the best drugs, whether unofficial or official, is bound to suffer if extravagant claims for them are permitted to go unchallenged. The referee of the Council, therefore, believed it necessary to call the attention of the manufacturers of Alcresta Ipecac Tablets to the statements made for the product and suggested that they submit evidence to substantiate the claims. This the manufacturers have refused to do. Their attitude in the matter, as well as their attitude toward the Council’s work is expressed in the following letter:
“Responding to your letter of March 10th, we beg to suggest that literature covering the different matters at issue are readily available to your referee, and all statements emanating from us are made advisedly.
“If you cannot satisfy yourselves that this preparation is a scientific product, ethically advertised, and a desirable advance in therapeutics, you can only delete it from your next issue of New and Nonofficial Remedies.”
It is to be regretted that Eli Lilly and Co. refuse either to withdraw or modify their claims or to substantiate these claims by scientific evidence. The statements as they stand are exaggerated, misleading and harmful. As such they conflict with Rule 6 of the Council and necessitate the omission of Alcresta Ipecac from New and Nonofficial Remedies. The referee recommended the adoption and publication of this report.—(From The Journal A. M. A., Oct. 20, 1917.)
IODEOL AND IODAGOL
Report of the Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry
Iodeol and Iodagol (formerly called Iodargol) are products of Viel and Company, Rennes, France, widely advertised in this country by David B. Levy, Incorporated, New York. The claim made for both preparations is that they depend on “colloidal iodin” for their action. They are put up in a number of forms, for instance:
“Iodeol Ampoules each containing 1 c.c. (20 centigrammes colloidal iodin in an oily vehicle).”