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paralysis, athletic injuries, and burns;
• Act as a carrier of other substances through its absorption qualities
through the skin;
•Heighten the effectiveness of other drugs.
ARE THESE CLAIMS CREDIBLE?
A substantial number of private anecdotal reports are found in medical literature
and responses to questionnaires sent by this Committee to veterinarians and
rheumatologists, supply a good deal of support for use of this drug. The FDA
says there have been no double-blind studies, because no placebo has been found
with the same noticeable side-effects.
IS DMSO AN FDA-APPROVED DRUG?
The FDA banned DMSO for use and testing on humans in 1965, but approved its use
in the treatment of interstitial cystitis in 1978. The FDA claims there are
no conclusive findings as to the effectiveness of the drug and points to the
temporary injury to the eyes of laboratory rabbits as an indicator of its
possible toxicity in humans. DMSO is approved restrictively for veterinary use.
FOR WHAT TREATMENT DO VETERINARIANS USE DMSO?
Curing lameness and injured joints, loosening stiff joints, and enhancing blood
circulation.
WHERE IS DMSO APPROVED FOR WIDESPREAD HUMAN USE?
Within the U.S., in Florida and Oregon; in other countries, for varying restricted
uses in Mexico, the Soviet Union, West Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Canada,
England, Ireland, China, and in several centers in South America.
ARE OBJECTIVE TESTS FOR EFFECTIVENESS NOW UNDERWAY?
The FDA has authorized only a few tests to study the effects on humans, with a
few other applications pending approval.
III. COMMITTEE STATISTICS ON DMSO
The Committee sent questionnaires to numerous professional groups inquiring
about their experiences with DMSO. Following are preliminary results:
1. AMERICAN VETERINARIANS -- Of 133 returned questionnaires, 70% have used or
prescribed DMSO. Of that experienced group of physicians, 95% claimed DMSO
effective for animals and 80% furthered their claims for humans. 16%
specifically rejected DMSO for human use.
