Doctor Exposes Cold & Flu Medicine ‘Scam’: What Really Works?
Each winter, many instinctively head to the pharmacy for relief from a stuffy nose, persistent cough, and fatigue. However, according to French general practitioner Jimmy Mohamed, these purchases are often a waste of time, and money. He stated, “C’est l’arnaque du siècle” – “It’s the scam of the century” – in a health segment broadcast on January 27 on RTL.
Common Cold Remedies Under Scrutiny
One of the primary targets of Dr. Mohamed’s criticism is air freshening sprays, typically sold for around 15 euros. He explains that for a spray to effectively prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria, it would require an extremely high concentration of active ingredients, sufficient contact time, and even distribution throughout the room. These conditions, he argues, are impossible to achieve without creating a toxic environment.
Similarly, Dr. Mohamed questions the effectiveness of many common throat syrups. He specifically cites syrups containing alpha-amylase (marketed as Maxilase), admitting he even prescribed it routinely when he was a young intern. However, he now believes it is useless, explaining that alpha-amylase is an enzyme the body already produces in the salivary glands and pancreas. Once ingested, this molecule is broken down in the stomach and has no impact on sore throat pain.
Antiseptic mouthwashes, costing around 8.50 euros, and many throat lozenges also fall under scrutiny. With the exception of those containing lidocaine – a local anesthetic – they offer only a sensation of cleanliness. Dr. Mohamed suggests that honey or hard candies may be just as effective, as the act of sucking encourages saliva production.
Questionable Value in Combination Remedies
Even popular combination remedies like Fervex sachets are not spared. These sachets contain a mixture of paracetamol, vitamin C, and phéniramine. Dr. Mohamed states they may, at best, shorten symptom duration by a few hours. He notes that they might reduce the length of symptoms by a single day, a benefit he considers “modest” given the cost.
What Alternatives Are Recommended?
Medications containing pseudoéphédrine (Dolirhume, Actifed Rhume, Humex Rhume, Rhinadvil Rhume) are now on a “red list” due to rare but serious side effects, including stroke and heart attack. Eight products were removed from free access since December 2024, as decided by the ANSM.
Instead, Dr. Mohamed advocates for basic remedies: saline solution for the nose, paracetamol for pain, hydration, broths, herbal teas, and rest. He even proposes a homemade drink consisting of orange, ginger, garlic, cayenne pepper, and turmeric, blended with water. He suggests adding a banana for sweetness, as shared with his 2 million TikTok followers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Dr. Mohamed say about air freshening sprays?
Dr. Mohamed believes air freshening sprays are largely ineffective at preventing the spread of viruses and bacteria, and could even be dangerous for young children, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and pets.
Is Maxilase throat syrup recommended?
Dr. Mohamed no longer recommends Maxilase, stating that the alpha-amylase it contains is an enzyme the body already produces and is destroyed in the stomach, rendering it ineffective for sore throat pain.
What does Dr. Mohamed suggest as alternatives to over-the-counter medications?
Dr. Mohamed recommends basic remedies such as saline solution, paracetamol, hydration, broths, herbal teas, rest, and a homemade drink of orange, ginger, garlic, cayenne pepper, and turmeric.
Given these insights, how might consumers reassess their approach to managing common cold symptoms?