Watch Out For Fraudulent Swine Flu (H1N1) Flu Products, Says FDA

Editor's Choice
Main Category: Swine Flu
Also Included In: Litigation / Medical Malpractice;  IT / Internet / E-mail;  Public Health
Article Date: 02 May 2009 - 9:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   opinions  

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) are warning people to look out for web sites and other product promotions that claim to be able to diagnose, prevent, mitigate, cure, and treat swine flu (the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus).

The FDA and FTC have warned the web sites that they must swiftly take action to alter or remove the fraudulent promotions, or face enforcement action.

Michael Chappell, acting FDA Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs "Consumers who purchase products to treat the novel 2009 H1N1 virus that are not approved, cleared or authorized by the FDA for the treatment or prevention of influenza risk their health and the health of their families. In conjunction with the Federal Trade Commission, the FDA has developed an aggressive strategy to identify, investigate, and take regulatory or criminal action against individuals or businesses that wrongfully promote purported 2009 H1N1 influenza products in an attempt to take advantage of the current flu public health emergency."

The FDA says that the products being offered for sale promising diagnosis, prevention, mitigation, treatment and a cure for swine flu have not been proven to be effective or safe. The claims are baseless. They are lies.

Several of these deceiving products are being sold over the Internet via illegal web sites. The owners of these web sites exploit public concern about the spread of swine flu. The FDA informs that these products come in all forms and varieties and could include dietary products or other food products - or even products claiming to be drugs, vaccines or devices.

These products will not reduce purchasers' risk of infection, or improve their chances of a cure or treatment.

FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz "The last thing any consumer needs right now is to be conned by someone selling fraudulent flu remedies. The FTC will act swiftly against companies that resort to deceptive advertising."

If you have a concern or any questions about medical products or personal protective equipment you should contact your health care provider, says the FDA.

The two antiviral drugs approved by the FDA for treatment and prophylaxis of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus are Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) and Relenza (zanamivir). Tamiflu and Relenza, in addition to their approved labeling, have Emergency Use Authorizations that describe specific authorized uses during this public health emergency.

Source
FDA

• See our Map Of H1N1 Outbreaks
• See our Mexico Swine Flu Blog

Written by - Christian Nordqvist


Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

• Additional
• References
• Citations