Popular flu remedy flying off shelves, although its effectiveness is debatable

It's what everybody is talking about and most people are being exposed to: the flu.

We're in peak season, and an over-the-counter medicine that promises to help relieve the symptoms is flying off the shelves.

It's called Oscillococcinum. However, when you look for it, you'll likely find a lot of empty shelves. 11 Investigates uncovered it's sold out across the country.

Area doctors said this flu season is one of the worst they can remember. Emergency rooms and doctors' offices are packed, and that has many people turning to Oscillococcinum, known as Oscillo, for relief.

"Oscillo is an over-the-counter, homeopathic preparation. It's been around a long time," said Dr. Marc Iskowitz, a physician with Allegheny Health Network in Pittsburgh.

It's a supplement, so there's no prescription needed, and it can be found right on store shelves, under normal conditions. WPXI went from store to store and found empty shelves and stores wiped out all over our area, including at Sunny Bridge Natural Foods and Cafe in McMurray.

"It's crazy. When people are seeing it, they're calling here, they're saying they've been looking everywhere for it, they can't find it," said Vicky Thompson, the supplement manager at Sunny Bridge.

Thompson not only works at a store that sells Oscillo, she uses it as well. And she said she's a firm believer that it works.

"It's very easy to take. They're in these little pellets, you pop them in your mouth. They taste good," said Thompson.

Proponents of Oscillo say it eases symptoms and shortens the duration of the flu.

"There have been no reported side effects, it doesn't interfere with medicine, and it's safe for kids and adults," said Gary Kracoff, a pharmacist for Johnson Compounding who has recommended Oscillo to many patients.

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But not everyone agrees Oscillo is worth taking.

"You're really getting no active ingredient. What they do, is they take a 1% dilution, and they perform that 200 times. So when you do the math, you find that there's actually nothing left at the end. It's like swallowing a sugar pill," said Iskowitz.

While supporters and detractors of Oscillo agree the product won't hurt you no matter what, it will cost you some money. WPXI bought a box of six doses for nearly $12.

"I would recommend spending your money on tissues or cough drops, making sure that you stay hydrated, because dehydration is our biggest concern with the flu," said Iskowitz.

11 Investigates spoke to the company that manufactures Oscillo, Boiron, which is based in France. A spokesperson confirmed Oscillo is sold out nationwide, and they're waiting for a new shipment to be sent from Europe.

Those who use Oscillo said because the flu season is so bad, it's worth waiting for more Oscillo.

"It doesn't seem to be every year that we get such a run on this product. It just seems to have gained in popularity, I think, because people are feeling a little helpless right now," said Thompson.

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