Fraudulent Swine Flu Medication on the Rise

Fraudulent companies are capitalizing on public fears about the swine flu outbreak, selling products they claim will treat the 2009 H1N1 strain of influenza. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission are cracking down on false claims, but warn the public to be wary of suspicious “flu remedies.”

Many of the false products are being sold over the Internet in order to minimize enforcement action, and have not been proven to be safe or effective for public use. The products come in many different forms, including dietary supplements, food products, drugs, devices or vaccines. “The last thing any consumer needs right now is to be conned by someone selling fraudulent flu remedies,” FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz said. “The FTC will act swiftly against companies that resort to deceptive advertising.”

The two antiviral products approved by the FDA for treatment of the 2009 H121 influenza virus are Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) and Relenza (zanamivir). Tamiflu and Relenza also have Emergency Use Authorizations that describe specific authorized uses during this public health emergency.

AUTHOR: Annette Hulbert