Beware of fraudulent ‘alternatives’ to flu vaccine, warns FDA

FDA warns about fraud flu vaccines and other issues.

National Monitor, Lance Tillson | February 03, 2013

In its latest consumer update, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning the public to avoid fraudulent flu products. The FDA notes that even though the flu season may have peaked in many areas, scammers are still busy trying to convince unsuspecting consumers to buy their products.

According to the health agency, scammers market their products by claiming that they can treat or cure the flu. However, these products have not been tested or approved by the FDA.

These products can be found online and in retail stores and may be marketed as a dietary supplements or conventional foods, drugs, nasal sprays and devices.

“As any health threat emerges, fraudulent products appear almost overnight,” says Gary Coody, the FDA’s national health fraud coordinator. “Right now, so-called ‘alternatives’ to the flu vaccine are big with scammers.”

No matter what someone else tells you, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention wants you to get the flu vaccine as your first line of defense against the flu. In fact, the CDC calls getting the flu vaccine the “most important” step in protecting against flu viruses. The CDC recommends the vaccine for adults and children over six months of age.

“These unproven products give consumers a false sense of security,” says Mary Malarkey, director of FDA’s Office of Compliance and Biologics Quality. “There is no need to buy a product that claims to be an alternative to the vaccine. Flu vaccine is still available and it’s not too late to get vaccinated.”

If you get the flu, the CDC recommends the following two FDA-approved antiviral drugs: Tamiflu and Relenza. These prescriptions drugs help fight the virus in your body and shorten the time you’re sick.

What are the different types of fraudulent flu products?

While there are a number of legal over-the-counter drugs to reduce fever and to relieve muscle aches and other flu symptoms, there are no legally marketed OTC drugs to prevent or cure the flu.

According to Coody, unapproved drugs, conventional foods or devices are fraudulent if they make flu prevention, treatment or cure claims. This is “because they haven’t been evaluated by the FDA for these uses,” says Coody.

For example, at the end of January, the FDA and the Federal Trade Commission sent a warning letter to the company that markets “GermBullet,” a nasal inhaler that makes flu prevention and treatment claims.

“If the company continues to sell the product without removing the deceptive and illegal language, the firm may be subject to enforcement action, which could include seizure of the products or other legal sanctions,” says FDA Regulatory Counsel Brad Pace of FDA’s Health Fraud and Consumer Outreach Branch.

What about fraudulent online pharmacies?

Internet scammers also take advantage of unsuspecting consumers in online pharmacies, according to the FDA. While legitimate online pharmacies do exist, many websites that look like legitimate pharmacies are actually fraudulent and illegal.

These illegal online pharmacies may be selling unapproved antiviral drugs.
“Beware of websites that sell generic Tamiflu or Relenza,” says FDA pharmacist Connie Jung of the FDA’s Office of Drug Security, Integrity and Recalls. “Currently there are no FDA-approved generics available for these drugs on the U.S. market.”
Unapproved products carry with them a number of risks, including serious safety concerns.

“With unapproved products, you really don’t know what you’re getting and can’t be sure of the quality,” adds Jung. “The products could be counterfeit, contaminated, or have the wrong active ingredient or no active ingredient. You could experience a bad reaction, or not receive the drug you need to get better.”
An online pharmacy will typically offer lower prices in order to entice consumers to purchase the unapproved products.

“Deep discounts on price are a good indicator of a fraudulent, illegal online pharmacy. You should avoid these online sellers because you might get products that are harmful to your health,” says Jung.

The FDA recommends buying prescription drugs only through an online pharmacy that requires a valid prescription from a doctor and is licensed by the state board of pharmacy where the patient lives.

“If you’re tempted to buy an unproven or little known treatment, especially if it’s sold on the Internet, check with your health care provider first,” says Coody.
http://natmonitor.com/2013/02/03/beware-of-fraudulent-alternatives-to-flu-vaccine-warns-fda/