Busted: Fraudulent COVID-19 Products | RxWiki

(RxWiki News) Seven companies are under fire for selling fraudulent products related to COVID-19.

These companies received warning letters from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

The reason? They were selling fraudulent products that claim to treat or prevent COVID-19.

The products included essential oils, teas and tinctures. Another product was colloidal silver, which the FDA has, in the past, said is not a safe or effective treatment for any disease or condition.

These unapproved drugs not only violate federal law but pose significant risks to patient health, according to the FDA and FTC. If consumers turn to these products that claim to cure, treat or prevent COVID-19, this can result in delayed appropriate medical care or stopping of appropriate care.

Delaying the right care or stopping appropriate treatment can place people at serious and life-threatening risk.

“The FDA considers the sale and promotion of fraudulent COVID-19 products to be a threat to the public health,” said FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen M. Hahn in a press release. “We have an aggressive surveillance program that routinely monitors online sources for health fraud products, especially during a significant public health issue such as this one. We understand consumers are concerned about the spread of COVID-19 and urge them to talk to their health care providers, as well as follow advice from other federal agencies about how to prevent the spread of this illness. We will continue to aggressively pursue those that place the public health at risk and hold bad actors accountable.”

The following seven companies received letters:

• Vital Silver
• Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd.
• Xephyr, LLC doing business as N-Ergetics
• GuruNanda, LLC
• Vivify Holistic Clinic
• Herbal Amy LLC
• The Jim Bakker Show

The FDA said it was expecting a response from the companies within 48 hours. Companies that sell fraudulent products are subject to legal action, the agency noted.

Currently, no vaccines or medications are approved to treat or prevent COVID-19. If you have any questions, ask your health care provider.