NAPE Q & A

By Fran Benham and Linda Austin

Question Every time I turn on the TV I see an ad for "HeadOn" which one rubs on the forehead, implying it relieves headache. Is it safe to use if you have PXE? I am afraid it may absorb into the body and cause internal bleeding.

Answer "HeadOn," available at Walgreens and WalMart, comes in three formulas: migraine, sinus and extra-strength at $5-7 per package. It has created much interest with its brief, repetitive ad to "just rub it on," implying that it will relieve headache pain. The ad itself quickly became grist for the late night TV comedy mill. It also became the topic of numerous internet articles. The online encyclopedia, Wikipedia, listed its active ingredients as bryonia alba (white bryony), iris versicolor (blue flag), kali bichromicum (potassium bichromate/dichromate), hydrastis canadensis (golden seal) and sublimed sulphur.

A July 26, 2006, Better Business Bureau internet posting indicated that the company, Miralus Healthcare, had not provided any reliable clinical proof that "HeadOn" works and the BBB ordered the company to change its advertising to eliminate health claims.

A Walgreens pharmacist noted that over-the-counter products like "HeadOn" are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration as are prescription drugs. He suggested that the questions about ingredients and how the product works should be addressed to the manufacturer via its 1-800 number printed on the product container. Repeated calls to the number received a recorded invitation to leave a number for a return call, which had not come five days later. A WalMart pharmacist urged caution in taking unregulated medication without prior approval by one's own physician.

This is perhaps an extreme example of what can happen in the over-the-counter medication market. It came to public attention because of television advertisement. It reminds us of the adage, "buyer beware" and suggests the importance of talking with our primary care physicians before using such products.

In response to your specific question of whether "HeadOn" is safe for someone with PXE, the answer has to be, we do not know because it has not been clinically tested.


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If you have any questions you would like answered in upcoming issues of PXE Awareness, please write to us at NAPE 8760 Manchester Rd., St. Louis, MO 63144-2724

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