FDA issues warning on fraudulent STD drugs
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission have issued a joint call to remove products from the market that make unproven claims to treat, cure, and prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Among the targeted products are Medavir, Herpaflor, Viruxo, C-Cure, and Never An Outbreak.
The agencies have issued letters to the drug manufacturers warning that their products violate federal law. These products, sold online and in retail outlets, have not been evaluated by the FDA for safety and effectiveness.
The products claim to treat a range of STDs, including herpes, chlamydia, genital warts, HIV, and AIDS. While some of the companies market these products as dietary supplements, all are considered drug products under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, because they are offered for the treatment of disease. Such products might not be introduced into interstate commerce without an FDA-approved new drug application.
"These products are dangerous because they are targeted to patients with serious conditions, where treatment options proven to be safe and effective are available," said Deborah Autor, director of the Office of Compliance in FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, in a statement issued by the two agencies. "Consumers who buy these products may not seek the medical attention they need and could spread infections to sexual partners."
To see a list of the products, as well as pictures of them, go to the FDA web site, www.fda.gov. Select "Drugs," then " under "Consumer Resources," select "Resources for You." Select "Buying & Using Medicines Safely," then "Medication Health Fraud." Under "Fraudulent Products for Serious Diseases," select "Fraudulent Products: Sexually Transmitted Diseases" to access links to photos, a question-and-answer sheet, and other resources.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission have issued a joint call to remove products from the market that make unproven claims to treat, cure, and prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
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