Did You Get Your STD Medication Without A Prescription? It Probably Doesn’t Work
The FDA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a joint effort to remove “dangerous” products that make such claims, specifically, Medavir, Herpaflor, Viruxo, C-Cure, and Never An Outbreak.
According to the FDA, they are trying to prevent consumers from being misled.
These products, mostly marketed as dietary supplements, claim to treat a range of STDs, including herpes, genital warts and HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
The FDA has sent letters to the companies that are making the drugs, informing them that they are violating federal law because their products have not been evaluated for safety and effectiveness.
“These products are dangerous because they are targeted to patients with serious conditions, where treatment options proven to be safe and effective are available,” the FDA’s Deborah Autor, JD, said in a news release. “Consumers who buy these products may not seek the medical attention they need and could spread infections to sexual partners.”
The Federal Trade Commission says it is also illegal to make unsubstantiated treatment claims.
“These companies are on notice that advertising health benefits that are not supported by rigorous scientific evidence violates the FTC Act,” said David Vladeck, director of the FTC’s bureau of consumer protection. “They also should know that health scams that endanger public health will not be tolerated.”
The federal announcement warns consumers that there are currently no OTC drugs or dietary supplements available to prevent or treat STDs. Many FDA-approved medications are available, but all of them require prescriptions.