Consumer Alert: Fraudulent STD treatments
The FDA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) today announced a joint effort to remove products from the market that make unproven claims to treat, cure, and prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Among the products targeted are Medavir, Herpaflor, Viruxo, C-Cure, and Never An Outbreak.
The companies claim that their products treat a range of STDs, including herpes, chlamydia, genital warts, HIV, and AIDS. Some of the companies market these products as dietary supplements.
“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 M. Autor, director of the Office of Compliance in FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Consumers who buy these products may not seek the medical attention they need and could spread infections to sexual partners.”
Further, under the Federal Trade Commission Act it is illegal to make such unsubstantiated treatment claims.
The bottom line?
Consumers and healthcare professionals should notify the FDA to file a complaint or report a problem with these products. Reports may be made to MedWatch, the FDA’s voluntary reporting program, by calling 800-FDA-1088, or electronically.
5/4/11 22:03 JR