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Key takeaways
Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic medication said to reduce the duration and severity of flu-like symptoms, including body aches, headache, fever, chills, and fatigue. It’s been used for over 80 years and is made from wild duck heart and liver extract.
Studies show that Oscillococcinum may work to improve flu symptoms within 48 hours, but the “low quality” of the studies makes the evidence uncompelling.
Oscillococcinum is generally safe, doesn’t cause drowsiness, and has no known drug interactions. Patients should monitor for any new side effects or worsening flu symptoms and consult a healthcare professional if they occur.
With fall comes the start of flu season. Influenza, which is commonly referred to as the flu, is a contagious illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, or lungs. Symptoms can be mild to severe and often include cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, fever, body aches, and fatigue. Most people with the flu don’t need medical care or antiviral drugs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, some may turn to homeopathic products for relief. One such product is Oscillococcinum, an over-the-counter remedy that, according to its manufacturer, is “nature’s #1 flu medicine.”
As frontline healthcare providers, pharmacists are in a unique position to educate patients regarding OTC and homeopathic products. Read on to refresh your knowledge of how Oscillococcinum can help patients with the flu.
What is Oscillococcinum?
Oscillococcinum is a non-drowsy, homeopathic medication said to reduce the duration and severity of flu-like symptoms. It contains the active ingredient Anas barbarian, hepatitis et cordis extractum 200CK, and comes as pellets that dissolve under the tongue.
According to its manufacturer, Boiron, Oscillococcinum has been used for almost 80 years and is available in 50 countries. It is made from a 1% solution of wild duck heart and liver extract, which is diluted 200 times with water and alcohol. It’s thought to work because wild ducks and other waterfowl are believed to be reservoirs of flu viruses. Based on the principle of “like cures like,” homeopaths believe exposure to Oscillococcinum can help the body heal from the flu.
Potential benefits of Oscillococcinum
Oscillococcinum’s website states the product reduces the duration and severity of flu-like symptoms, including body aches, headache, fever, chills, and fatigue. It is supposed to work best when taken right when flu symptoms start.
The product’s manufacturer cites two studies—both of which are placebo-controlled—supporting its use. The first study was from the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology in 1989, and it showed Oscillococcinum was statistically superior to placebo in supporting the recovery from flu symptoms, including elevated rectal temperature, headache, stiffness, lumbar and articular pain, and shivers, within 48 hours of treatment. The second study was published in 1998 in the British Homoeopathic Journal, and it showed that participants who took Oscillococcinum had significantly milder symptoms than those who took a placebo after 48 hours of treatment.
However, a 2015 Cochrane review of six studies found no difference between the effects of Oscilococcinum and the placebo in preventing the flu. There was evidence that the product may relieve flu symptoms at 48 hours of treatment. However, there were flaws and biases in the trial methods. Overall, the authors of this review concluded that Oscillococcinum might work to improve flu symptoms within 48 hours, but the “low quality” of the studies makes the evidence not compelling.
A 2018 study conducted in Italy analyzed the effects of Oscillococcinum on over 450 people who suffered from respiratory tract infections (RTIs). The results showed that the frequency of RTIs was lower in participants treated with Oscillococcinum than in those treated with placebo; thus, it was concluded that the product could help prevent RTIs.
Risks of Oscillococcinum
Overall, Oscillococcinum is well tolerated. In the 2015 Cochrane review, only one of the six studies reported one patient who experienced a headache. There was also one report from 2015 of a patient who experienced angioedema—an allergic reaction that can cause swelling in the face, lips, tongue, or airways—while taking Oscillococcinum for flu-like symptoms. No other notable side effects were reported. However, keep in mind that Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic product, which means it hasn’t been reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety and effectiveness.
It should be noted that Oscillococcinum contains sucrose and lactose as inactive ingredients. Those who need to limit carbohydrate intake, such as people with diabetes or people who are lactose intolerant, should be cautioned regarding this product.
While Oscillococcinum is a non-drowsy medication that isn’t known to interact with other medications or supplements, it’s always important to encourage patients to look out for adverse effects when taking new medications or supplements. Any new side effects or worsening flu symptoms should be reported to a healthcare professional.
Other important considerations
Although Oscillococcinum is a relatively safe product, it’s not right for everyone. It shouldn’t be taken by children younger than 2 years of age, and patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk with a healthcare provider before using this supplement.
Sources
- A controlled evaluation of a homeopathic preparation in the treatment of influenza-like syndromes, British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology (1989)
- About flu, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022)
- About Oscillococcinum, Oscillococcinum
- Angioedema, Cleveland Clinic (2022)
- Homeopathic Oscillococcinum for preventing and treating influenza and influenza-like illness, Cochrane Library (2015)
- Homeopathic products, Food and Drug Administration (2023)
- Oscillococcinum in patients with influenza-like syndromes: A placebo-controlled double-blind evaluation, British Homoeopathic Journal (1998)
- Oscillococcinum leading to angioedema, a rare adverse event, BMJ Journals (2015)
- The preventive effect on respiratory tract infections of Oscillococcinum. A cost-effectiveness analysis, ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research (2017)
