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FDA issues warnings about fraudulent cancer treatments
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The FDA issued warning letters to 14 U.S. companies that the agency contends are selling products fraudulently claimed to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure cancer.
The products — typically marketed and sold on websites or social media platforms — have not received FDA approval.
Companies that market or sell products to prevent, diagnose or treat any disease without demonstrating to the FDA that they are effective and safe for their labeled uses violate Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
“Consumers should not use these or similar unproven products because they may be unsafe and could prevent a person from seeking an appropriate and potentially life-saving cancer diagnosis or treatment,” Douglas W. Stearn, director of the Office of Enforcement and Import Operations in the FDA’s Office of Regulatory Affairs, said in an FDA–issued press release. “We encourage people to remain vigilant whether online or in a store, and avoid purchasing products marketed to treat cancer without any proof they will work. Patients should consult a health care professional about proper prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.”
The illegally sold products include pills, topical creams, ointments, oils, drops, syrups, teas and diagnostics marketed for use by humans or pets.
The list of companies and treatments is available on the FDA’s Health Fraud site.
The FDA requested responses from the companies stating how the violations will be corrected. Failure to correct the violations promptly may result in legal action, including product seizure, injunction or criminal prosecution, according to the press release.
The FDA encourages health care professionals and consumers to report adverse reactions associated with these or similar products to the agency’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.