1- Why the name Panaceum® ?

« In pharmacy there was a belief that there could be an effective remedy for a large number of diseases. This remedy was called a panacea. […] Today, it is often used ironically to describe an object, an idea, a concept that seems to be – or that some want to pass for – the remedy for all evils or a whole set of evils. » (Wikipédia)

In 1984, the magazine Prescrire published a satirical article for the 1st of April. She presented a new revolutionary treatment, composed of psychotropin and trade name: Panaceum. The aim was to draw the attention of readers to the importance of maintaining a critical sense in all circumstances. We wished to pay tribute to this independent medical journal because it was not funded by the pharmaceutical industry.

2- Who is behind the design of Panaceum® ?

A psychiatrist from Bordeaux (France), too long blocked in his professional practice by the ethical limits that prevented him from using placebos with his patients … and reduced to a passive observation of the unbridled use, in the current practice, of impure placebos, concealed to patients. Recent studies on the use of open placebos have allowed him to finally consider the availability of a pure placebo, claimed as such.

3- Why prefer Panaceum® to other treatments with questionable efficacy?

Many authors assume that a non-negligible proportion of pharmaceutical products, free from pharmacy access, would be impure placebos. Their specific therapeutic effects would not be superior to those of a placebo, whereas the active ingredient they contain would not allow to ensure their total safety.
The use of pure placebo would then be preferable in all of these cases. In addition, Panaceum® claims its placebo status. Its use is based on transparent and up-to-date information from users on the medical knowledge of the placebo effect. There is therefore a militant dimension in the use of Panaceum®: patients are once again the informed decision makers of their health!

4- Panaceum® can replace traditional pharmacological treatments?

No ! And in no case!
Panaceum® has a symptomatic effect on benign conditions. It is an alternative to “comfort” treatments that would have an unfavorable benefit / risk balance. Panaceum® does not claim to have any vaccine, anti-viral or even bactericidal action! Panaceum® allows us to exploit the underestimated powers of our central nervous system over the entire body. It does not pretend to any magic effect.

5- Since Panaceum® is a pure placebo, can I randomly swap the tubes, regardless of the indication?

There is no direct danger in doing so, of course. However, this is strongly discouraged, under penalty of affecting the power of the placebo effect. The latter uses higher intellectual functions and is based in particular on strict principles of prescriptions, and even on the ritualization which accompanies its use. Like the unreasonable and unconventional use of antibiotics, which has jeopardized their effectiveness on bacteria, an anarchic and unfounded use of Panaceum® user neglecting!