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The MEB and homeopathic medicinal products
In 1992, it was agreed at European level that homeopathic medicinal
products must be authorised in all European member states. This was
incorporated into Dutch medicines legislation in 1995. The main
reason for assessing this type of medicinal product is to provide
the user with the assurance that the product is of high quality and
guaranteed safety. In addition, the information on the homeopathic
medicinal product for the consumer and the prescriber is assessed,
to ensure that the product can be used safely.
Homeopathic products are used extensively and it is to be
expected that this will remain so in the future. In the
Netherlands, the Medicines Evaluation Board is responsible for the
authorisation process of these products. The MEB also accepted the
task of assessing homeopathic products because it views this
activity as part of its responsibility for all medicinal products
on the Dutch market. The MEB undertook this responsibility
following extensive discussions within the MEB.