FDA And FTC Warn Consumers Of Fraudulent Swine Flu Remedies
The Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) in conjunction with the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") has issued a warning to consumers to avoid Internet sites and other promotions for products that claim to diagnose, prevent, mitigate, treat or cure the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, more commonly known as the Swine Flu. Many of these deceptive products are being sold over the Internet, and the websites selling these products are hoping to take advantage of the public’s concerns about the Swine Flu pandemic sweeping the country and the world. As such, in their desire to protect themselves and their families, consumers may be easily tricked into purchasing fraudulent products which claim to cure Swine Flu.
These deceptive products come in all varieties and could include dietary supplements or other food products, or products purporting to be drugs, devices or vaccines. According to the FDA and FTC, such fraudulent products will not prevent the transmission of the virus or offer effective treatments against infections caused by the H1N1 influenza virus. “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,” said Michael Chappell, acting FDA Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs.
Consumers can visit the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web sites for more information about the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, and to determine which products the FDA has approved, cleared or authorized for use to diagnose, treat, prevent, mitigate or cure infections caused by H1N1 influenza virus. Currently, there are only two antiviral drugs approved by the FDA for treatment and prophylaxis of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus: Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) and Relenza (zanamivir).
If you have a purchased any products which claim fraudulently to diagnose, treat, prevent, mitigate or cure infections caused by H1N1 influenza virus, please contact us to discuss your legal options.