FDA Warning Public About Counterfeit Tamiflu
Online Sources of Oseltamivir for Swine Flu Sell Fake Medications
Nov 5, 2009
The worldwide H1N1 influenza, or swine flu, pandemic has people everywhere searching for treatment or preventatives. Many websites are offering products that seem helpful but have not been approved as safe or effective for H1N1 or any other influenza treatment. The FDA, along with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), is working to make sure these products aren't sold to unsuspecting consumers.
Only Use FDA-Approved Products for H1N1 Influenza Treatment
The only medications approved by the FDA for treatment or prevention of H1N1 influenza are Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir). These medications are available only by prescription from a licensed pharmacy. Medications and products available online that have not been studied for safety or efficacy could be dangerous or ineffective, delaying the initiation of proper treatment.
FDA Crackdown on Fraudulent Swine Flu Virus Treatments
The FDA continuously monitors the Internet and has issued warnings to the producers and distributors of more than 135 products available online that were making false claims regarding the H1N1 virus. The FDA went so far as to buy some of these products to test for accuracy of their claims. One product came from India and contained two nondescript, white tablets that were sold as a Tamiflu equivalent. Instead, the tablets actually contained acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol.
Four other products purchased by the FDA did contain oseltamivir, but in varying doses, which could have been ineffective or even caused dangerous side effects. Some were available for purchase without a prescription.
Other Unapproved Products for H1N1 Virus
The FDA has found additional products being sold that claim to help prevent or treat swine flu. These include:
- a protective shampoo
- a preventative nutritional supplement for children
- a supplement purported to cure the flu in four to eight hours
- an ionic silver spray for the hands that supposedly kills the influenza virus particle
- unapproved test kits to diagnose the flu
- a device using photobiotic energy and life-force energy waves to bolster immunity and prevent swine flu symptoms
The FTC is also working with the FDA to warn many of these websites to cease production of their products. A Fraudulent 2009 H1N1 Influenza Products List is available for consumers online. The FDA is also offering a fraudulent 2009 H1N1 products widget that can be downloaded and displayed on a personal web page.
FDA Recommendations for Treating Swine Flu Symptoms
The FDA suggests buying only medications known to have been approved for treatment or prevention of H1N1 influenza and its symptoms. Anyone with questions regarding H1N1 flu should contact their healthcare provider.
Source:
The Word is Out on Unapproved H1N1 Products. 2009 FDA.gov Consumer Updates
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