Friday, April 22, 2011
Heimlich Clear Cream Recall
So a couple of weeks ago, I blogged about the most amazing, miraculous, "all natural" cream that got rid of C's eczema in a matter of days. Given that I have used homeopathic remedies before, with much success, for some of C's other typical baby/toddler ailments, I had no problem trusting Heimlich Clear Cream's claim to being "all natural". Now, thanks to an alert reader (thank you, anonymous commenter!), I've found out that I've been duped. Apparently, the distributor has recalled the product because "FDA analysis revealed the presence of up to 0.037% Betamethasone Valerate, a corticosteroid". Argh! It's not so much the presence of the steroid in the cream that pisses me off so much (as .037% is still a much smaller concentration than is found in other steroid creams) but that the company felt the need to deceive an already vulnerable consumer base. So while in practice, I wouldn't mind using the cream again (especially since I didn't have to use much of it), I won't, out of principle. Companies like Heimlich give truly effective holistic products a bad rap, and I have to wonder what else the company is lying about. Perhaps they'll offer some sort of satisfactory explanation, but, in the meantime, if C's eczema rears its ugly head again, I'll give the California Baby Calendula Cream a try. It's cheaper anyway.
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Hi Suzy,
ReplyDeleteI too was a user of Heimlich's Clear Cream. After trying many different creams (my closet looks like CVS) and finding that nothing worked (not even steroids she was prescribed), I came across Heimlich's. It worked miraculously on my 9-month old daughter, who has eczema all over her body. My days of watching her scratch herself to sleep and having my heart break in a million pieces were over! I was happy again, and she started interacting and babbling and smiling.
I have done extensive research about this recall and have had 2 conversations with a nurse practitioner at our dermatologist's office (pediatric, that is). She felt that the cream has done no harm to her skin, especially b/c the amount they found is small AND it's further diluted in a host of many other natural ingredients. Arnica, calendula, and aloe are noted natural skin healers, and she said my daughter most likely responded to the mixture of those AS well as the steroid. Since this is the only product that has worked, she did give us the green light to use it sparingly. I felt like you did at first and said "no way", but then I had to break down when she had a flare-up. I use the California Baby Calendula Cream and Aloe vera gel on all other days, which help to keep her skin moisturized AND lessen the redness.
There are some theories out there that the FDA has fabricated the story, because they know a good product when they see one. I'm not sure I want to believe that, as I want to feel that the FDA protects consumers. But I am suspicious, for 2 reasons.
1. I have spoken at length to a person living in Israel who called Dr. Heimlich himself, who continues to stand by his product and is distraught, as he's recently had two additional lab reports run on the cream since the recall, and both reports came up negative. His point is, if he deliberately wanted to put steroids in his cream, wouldn't he put a higher dose in? This person living in Israel has also spoken to Jewish pharmacists, who have recco'd the cream for years and believe the Israeli Ministry of Healthy, who have put their seal of approval on the cream. They said they are going to continue recco'ing the cream to customers.
2. I found a pediatric allergist at Columbia University Hospital in NYC who has been recommending this product for his patients. He actually created his own version of the cream in a lab, using all of the ingredients listed on the package, just to be sure the cream did not have steroids, and his version was just as effective.
All of this information is conflicting. I do feel that Dr. Heimlich should come out and defend his product and produce the new lab reports.
I found an independent lab who is willing to test the cream for that steroid the FDA found, although it's around $200 and i'm not sure I want to pay that.
So glad I came across your blog. I've been wanting to discuss this with other parents.
I did come across another natural cream called Repcillin, and have already ordered it. I will keep you posted as to whether or not it was effective for eczema. Google it if you have time.
Thanks so much for this!!! You know, after posting this entry, I rethought the whole issue as well...or at least the FDA's role in all of this. I, like you, don't take anything the FDA says at face value. The FDA has its own agenda, which I know for a fact includes protecting Big Pharma (often at the expense of consumer safety), and unconscionable conflicts of interest. I also personally know someone whose very innocent parents, owners of a medical device company, have fallen victim to an FDA witch-hunt, so I wouldn't put it past the FDA to taint the evidence. (And don't even get me started on the FDA and its relation to the food industry. But lest I start sounding like a nutty left-wing conspiracy theorist, I will stop my FDA rant right here!) So, in short, I don't know what to think any more. Like you, I would love to hear a statement coming from the company, at least protesting their innocence? Given the logic of everything you've written above, I'd feel comfortable believing their claim to innocence and would be happy to use the product again. Luckily for now, C's eczema hasn't resurfaced, so I haven't had to deal with the dilemma of whether or not to use the HCC.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely keep me in the loop. I'd love to hear how everything works out for you and your daughter! Thanks again!
http://www.amazon.com/review/RQOSQVP86QSE1/ref=cm_cr_rev_detup_redir?_encoding=UTF8&cdPage=1&asin=B003CNUN2C&newContentNum=9&store=hpc&newContentID=Mx1S8A2RKE3EQV0#Mx29NI86WV26887
ReplyDeleteHi Suzy! Thanks for your thoughtful response. Yep, I've heard one too many stories regarding the FDA and its hidden agendas, so I remain very skeptical. I copied the above link for you to review: This is a series of comments about Heimlich Clear Cream on Amazon.com, specifically from the woman who spoke to Dr. Heimlich himself. You will see comments from 3 people (me being one of them) - I'd be interested to hear your thoughts about the discussion. I will definitely keep you posted on my daughter's condition, and I hope that your little lady continues to be clear! So happy to hear that :)
Hi Suzy,
ReplyDeleteAfter discovering Clear Cream available on Amazon.com again (at a steep price), I contacted the seller to see why the price was so high and if they were aware of the FDA recall. They wrote back to tell me they were charging so much because the company will be making the cream IN THE UNITED STATES!!!, but it will not be available for a few months. I'm supposing they are making it under FDA regulations. I'm excited because this is the first time I've heard any update on the Clear Cream. Just wanted to keep you in the loop!
Wow I feel bad for being so late to the party. 3 months ago, I wrote a favorable review of Heimlich Clear Cream on my website and endorsed it. Now I feel bad doing so and will probably have to retract some of my statement, although I will leave the review up for anyone who wants to see how well the cream works.
ReplyDeleteLike you said, Suzy, I wouldn't mind using the cream again but it does annoy me that it was touted as "All Natural" when it wasn't. Both the FDA and Dr. Heimlich himself seem dubious at this point and I don't know who to trust anymore. I can only speak from my own experience with topical steroids. I have been on corticosteroids for many years (off and on) and I HAVE seen the rebound effect of going off on steroids. The simple fact (for me) is that eczema sometimes does come back if I stop the steroids too soon. With HCC, I only used it for 10 days and I haven't used it since (gotta savor the cream since it's so dang expensive!).. and my eczema hasn't resurfaced. That tells me that if the cream does indeed contain steroids, it's a negligible amount, although I have seen comments that some people's eczema resurfaced when they stopped using the cream.
I hope in the coming months, the mystery surrounding HCC clears up... otherwise, I just have to feel bad that I was too trusting of a company. :(
Hi, Clair. I found myself comfortable with Anonymous' explanations (and reading through the links s/he posted made me even more so). I am a firm believer in the power of natural remedies, and I know for a fact that calendula did wonders for my daughter's eczema, even before I started with HCC. If indeed the steroid content is negligible, I'd rather err on the side of HCC than the FDA, but I totally totally understand if you feel otherwise. Hopefully we'll see compelling evidence one way or the other some time soon!!!
ReplyDeleteHi everyone. I too hope the mystery surrounding the HCC clears up. I am feeling good that the company will be making the cream in the United States, if indeed that story pans out. The explanation given to me was that the FDA wanted HCC's "secret formula". They would not give away their secret formula for competition reasons, and that is why the FDA is not allowing it into our country anymore. However, the FDA WILL allow HCC to continue making their product with their secret formula intact, as long as it's made in this country. To me, I wonder if the FDA will now be getting a share of the profits??? HCC is STILL denying any presence of steroids in their cream and even have recent lab reports to back it up. I wish they would share them with their huge fan base in America, so we could feel good about using the cream in the meantime. Additionally, the cream they make in the United States will be the exact same formula they've used for years.
ReplyDeleteI did notice that when I stopped using the cream for 6 days after I heard about the recall, my daughter's skin became worse. I don't know if it's due to withdrawal OR the rapid change in weather we keep experiencing. The nurse practitioner at our dermatologist's office said her skin was most likely going through withdrawal not just from the steroid (if there even ARE steroids in the cream) but also the combination of the natural ingredients, which were working together as a skin barrier. Further, because there are so many other natural ingredients in the cream, the steroids would be further diluted.
Right now, for me, it's about quality of life. I tried to be the best Mom I could be and have tried natural ingredients like plain calendula, aloe vera gel, something new called Repcillin.... BUT these do not do the same effective job as HCC. The closest product was California BAby's Calendula Cream. My child is happier when I use the HCC on her skin (once every 2 or 3 days, one application only). In between I try to use the natural products or plain old Vaseline.
My last thought is that when we were prescribed steroids for her skin in the early days, her skin would respond to them AT FIRST. The eczema would come back again and we'd use the same steroids on her, and they would no longer work. I have read that your body can become immune to topical corticosteroids, leading you to go back to the doctor and get a heavier prescription. I am not noticing this with HCC, and this is the very reason I optimistically doubt presence of steroids.
I have the option to get the cream tested personally for the steroid the FDA found, but it costs $225. I may break down and have it tested, just for peace of mind. At least I know I have that option...
Thanks for everyone's comments!
Yes, thanks for everyone's comments!
ReplyDeleteI've also noticed that C's eczema is slowly coming back, but so far minimal, and this is weeks after I stopped using anything on her.
I guess the way I think about is that even if there is a little steroid in the HCC, it has got to be so much less than what is found in conventional eczema treatments. So I'm not as scared about using HCC on C. It's got to be better than than the alternative!
Hi Suzy,
ReplyDeleteI really like Boiron's Calendula Ointment for reducing itch and redness and healing skin. It definitely is not as magical as HCC, but it does seem to be the best calendula product i could find.
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=boiron+calendula+ointment&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=15280071326838735095&sa=X&ei=LY_JTbCoMeW-0AHJzq3KBw&ved=0CDkQ8wIwAA#ps-sellers
Hi all. I am in the same boat -- savoring the last pot of HCC that I've been using for my son's eczema. I am weaning him off slowly -- using HCC only at night. Throughout the day, I have been using Sweetsation Therapy Baby Sweet Kisses, Organic Calendula Baby Butter Cream. It has many of the same ingredients. So far, he has a few patches of mild eczema returning, but it's not nearly as severe as before HCC and Calendula Butter Cream combo.
ReplyDeleteHope this helps.
I would chip in for the testing. We were looking to have it tested also but did not know where to do it. The cream works great. My daughter has glaucoma also, and steroids on the facae are not good for glaucoma.
ReplyDeleteAnyone knows when the cream will be made in the US?
ReplyDeleteHi, ladies and/or gentlemen! C has been eczema free for the past couple of months, so didn't really follow up on this, but I've noticed that it's back in tiny patches, and this time, they look like dyshidrotic eczema, which I suffer a mild case of as well. Bummer. So I'll follow up and see what's going on with the Clear Cream and post a follow-up blog and/or comment!
ReplyDeleteBtw, just thought I'd share this. Coconut oil as eczema treatment??? Interesting.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/article_1633.shtml
Hi. Can you tell me which doctor at Columbia Pres has reformulated the Clear Cream? I'm interested in getting the steroid free version of it. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteAnybody has any updates on this? I tried having someone buy the cream for me in Israel and couldn't get it anywhere. It seems that after the FDA recall they have taken it off the shelves in Israel as well. I don't think the Heimlich company is even open anymore. It was all a big scam. The cream worked however, an the levels of steroids were much lower than what my child's dermatologist prescribed so still we were much better with that alternative.
ReplyDeleteWhat should we do if the child is already used to the product and it's no longer available?
ReplyDeleteHi, all. So since I can't seem to find out any more information on the cream, I think the only way to put this issue to rest is to get the product tested by an independent laboratory. Anonymous #1, you said that you knew of an independent lab that would test the cream for $200. I'd be happy to pitch in financially, if you wanted to go ahead with it. Otherwise, would you mind posting the lab information, and I'd be happy to get the cream tested and post the results. Again, I am not convinced that HCC was a scam, and, even if it was, the level of steroids found in the cream was so low that I didn't mind using it on C. But I'd like to know if the company was being honest or not. So, to that end, would appreciate your response! Xo, Suzy
ReplyDeleteHi Suzy! I am Anonymous number 1. I would love to have the cream tested, but unfortunately I just learned that Israel is no longer carrying the cream, either, due to the FDA. This came from a pharmacy directly from Israel. This does not look good. No one seems able to contact the company, so I'm not sure how to learn about any further information. I wish someone could remake the cream in the USA based on the natural ingredients alone.
ReplyDeleteThe name of the lab was Toxicology Associates, Inc in Columbus, Ohio.
Their number is 614-459-2409. I would imagine you would have to request the actual steroid the FDA found in the cream.
All, I have been following this thread hoping someone will be able to find the cream. I tried finding it in Israel through couple of friends but they said it's also off the shelves there. I saw someone mention dudu o'sun African black soap as a possible option and since I have nothing to lose I bought some. It has done wonders on my son's skin. I scrape a little at a time, mix it with baby wash and use it to bathe him. I then moisturize with California baby calendula cream. His skin is almost as clear as it was with clear cream. All the best
ReplyDeleteI too have heard of the African Black Soap! would love to try this. Our dermatologist just recco'd a lotion called "Melaleuca Renew Lotion". If you google it, you will see rave reviews. You can get it on Amazon.com. We bought it and it arrived yesterday. Within 24 hours, her skin is much more moisturized than it has ever been. Not sure if it will control the eczema - that remains to be seen - but so far am happy with it. Just wanted to pass it along for those looking for alternatives to HCC.
ReplyDeleteAfter a few days of using the Melaleuca Renew Lotion (highly fragranced), we stopped, as her skin seemed worse. We think she reacted negatively to the fragrance, which is a listed ingredient. Her skin is so sensitive to any additives that are not natural. We went back to our regimen of Safflower Oil (yes, safflower oil found in a supermarket, for $8!) followed by Exederm Moisturizing Cream (wonderful cream with no added parabens or fragrances), and have been very happy with this result. Another thing we are doing is "patting" on the moisturizer, rather than rubbing it in, which we were told to do by a friend whose child suffers from eczema. Just wanted to share. Another very important thing: 100% cotton sleepers for use at nighttime. We have found that anything but 100% cotton makes her scratch at her arms at night for 2 hours before falling asleep.
ReplyDeleteHi, all! Sorry for the delayed response. Lots of traveling and dealing with trying to sell the apartment, etc., plus career change, and second baby on the way. Haven't been able to keep on top of the blog. Must. Start. Again. glad to hear about the alternatives. Has anyone tried the California Baby Calendula Cream? That's gotten some positive reviews elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous #1, I wanted to test the cream, but i forgot about that little issue of needing a sample. I have a little left, but I've been hoarding it like gold. I don't need it often, but when C has one of her flare-ups (mild, of course), I only seem to need to apply it once before it goes away. Miraculous. I'm trying to stretch it out for as long as I can. So I guess no tests for now. I'm hoping and praying that they'll come out with a new batch soon!!!!
hello doea anyonea know if this cream is coming back anytime soom. My daughter suffers with egzama and nothing at all works except the clear cream . I tried everything ..
ReplyDeletei have just run out of clear cream and went to buy a new pot in a health food shop in israel; and was told it has been taken off the shelves. i have been using it on my face for two years now and once tried to stop and had a very bad reaction. I went through intensive testing and they couldnt find the reason i had this bad skin disease. After suffering i gave in and went back on the cream-now im shocked at the results and wish it wasnt true. Last time i had to go on oral steroids to control my skin. I am very angry with Dr Heimlich.
ReplyDeleteI too am interested in the name of the doctor who has created his own version of the cream. Can anyone provide? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteIt seems as though HCC has disappeared altogether, and there is absolutely no explanation from anyone. It's horribly distressing. It's the only cream that has worked on my daughter's skin as well. However, I'M NOT GIVING UP! I am spending a decent amount of money trying to find the right solutions, and i'm hoping I'm on the right track.
ReplyDeleteFirst, Suzy - congrats on your new addition! I wish you lots of happiness with the new little one :)
I'm the one who originally suggested we test the cream, but I do understand your wariness in wanting to part with your last remaining cream. The more I think about it, the more I am not sure I want to use it on my daughter's skin. I think I'm back to believing the FDA.
I've tried some new skin creams (all-natural) that i've been pleased with, but I'm not sure if they are irritating my daughter's skin.
1. Episencial Soothing Cream - very cool company, good ingredients. It literally does make the red go away (just like HCC did) right before my eyes. However, it sometimes seems to sting her in that she scratches at it after i put it on. But it does take the redness away. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to keep the redness away like HCC did.
2. I'm about to purchase Arbonne's ABC line of baby products. If you google it, it gets good reviews. They have an oil you use on ezcema spots, followed by a lotion. I'll report back how it goes, b/c if i can help people, that will make me happy. Also, check out this article:
http://stevemark122000.hubpages.com/hub/Arbonne-or-Topical-Steroids-for-Baby-Eczema
What I like about this product is that it seems to have gone through rigorous testing. I promise to report back!
Hi! My son is 9 months old and has suffered with severe eczema from the time he was 6 weeks old. I made a lot of dietary changes (we nurse) however it seems as though dairy is the main culprit. When I found Heimlich's it was a miracle! His rash was gone in a day! A month after we began using it the FDA pulled it off the shelves. I was devastated. A firm believer in nature's healing properties, I was certain this was an FDA scam. But my gut told me I had to explore other options. We tried coconut oil, alligator cream, and plenty of supplements on my end. Nothing. My son's skin flared worse than ever. My pediatrician finally recommended we see an Aryuvedic doctor, Dr. Raichur, of Pratima Spa in NYC. We saw her, followed her recommendations which included dietary changes, oils, an herbal lotion, and herbal pills. Within a week my son was clear. He still has flair ups (if I have dairy or he gets sick), but they are very manageable. On Heimlich's he never had flair ups, I think because the steroids were hiding the symptoms. Dr. Raichur does phone consults for those of you not in the NYC are. And I have a little Heimlichs left and am willing to mail it to anyone who wants to test it. Good luck! It's terrible to see our little ones suffer like this.
ReplyDeleteHi! I am too a parent trying to find a new cream to work on my son's eczema. Heimlich's clear cream was the only thing that has ever worked. I have found nothing else to replace it and at my wits end. The areas are bigger and itchier and now giving him small wounds. I have been praying for guidance for a new cream and all the ones I have tried, don't work, just irritate even more. Thanks for letting me express myself.
ReplyDeleteI myself have used the Heimlich cream for my daughter, I just found out today that it's been recalled. I asked my daughters pediatrician if there was anything else that I could use and she recommended this stuff call "Magic Cream" she says it works almost as good as the Heimlich Cream did. You can get this on line and in certain stores. It's worth a try.
ReplyDeleteThe Allergist at NY Presbyterian who recommended Dr. Heimlich's Clear Cream to me (and, as he told me, "all of his other patients") is Dr. Resnick:
ReplyDeletehttp://nyp.org/physician/djresnick/
He swore up and down that it was all-natural and I'm still quite upset that he got so many people hooked on this nasty steroid-containing cream. I have finally recovered from the after-effects....I now use Weleda's baby calendula face cream and California Baby's calendula cream. I like both.
i spoke to dr. heimlich and he states that the cream has no steroids and he has sent it to two labs and it came back neg. it is two big companies that wanted him out and got the fda on their side one of those companies called him after the recall to buy the patent he didn't want to say witch company as of now he waiting to decide how to go about it maybe make it in us or not to make it. dr heimlich is a all natural dr and is allway been against steroids i spoke to some people that used him in isreal they said its impossible that he would put steroids. its not the 0.0037% that works since a lot of the steroid cream don't help. for now we thank the FDA for their scam and suffer untill something else works
ReplyDeleteI am happy to hear this. Do you know if I can speak to dr. heimlich as I don't think he should sell to any of these companies he should be the seller himself not give them his secret.
DeleteAnybody knows where I can get hold of a bottle of clear cream? desperate :(;
ReplyDeleteHonestly I am so upset to hear such negative responses I honestly am so greatly for this cream I used it with my daughter was 4 months old desperate to find something to help her I tried everything and nothing worked until I found the clear cream with 1 application I saw the difference. I had tears in my eyes to see my baby better within a week her ezcema was gone. I continued to put the cream on her 2 times weekly and after 6 months stopped using it. She was good for 1 year now I am so desperate to find this cream again not finding any other cream that can help or relieve her skin. I am pretty sure everyone that is complaining while they were using it enjoyed feeling good take things as they are and don't judge.
ReplyDeleteMy take is that even if there were steroids in the cream, the alternative is...well...steroids. So, at least use the steroids that work! But I side with Dr. Heimlich here. I do NOT trust the FDA. They don't have the consumer's interests in mind. They are beholden to Big Pharma, and that is not a secret.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteDo you know if Clear Cream available in Israel?
Olga A.