Back at home in Germany he told his doctor of the very fine effect of his TCM therapy. The sceptical doctor, in turn, sent us a sample of the ointment to analyse. Discussion Topical prednisolone administration can result in a number of adverse effects, most commonly allergic contact dermatitis and skin atrophy. Among the so-called alternative medical practices, TCM enjoys a wide recognition in the public. The ointment analysed by us is an example of this practice to purposely adulterate medical preparations, which should resemble herbal extracts, with synthetic drugs.
Patients using such medicines take unpredictable risks.
Not only are they not told about precautions and adverse effects regarding the synthetic drugs, they do not even know that they are taking them. Physicians and pharmacists should make their patients aware of this practice of adulteration and the risks that are involved with the taking of such medicines.