An ultraviolet light that its sellers promise will “destroy swine flu virus.” A dietary supplement claiming to be “more effective than the swine flu shot.” Pills, hand sanitizers and air filters galore.
These products were among the hundreds of swine flu deterrents and cures that were advertised online this year. And their Internet purveyors were among the 80 who received warnings from the Food and Drug Administration over the past six months to stop peddling unproven or illegal treatments.
Among them was Weil Lifestyle LLC, the online store featuring Tucson natural health guru Dr. Andrew Weil. The company was sent a warning Thursday regarding its vitamin packs and immune support formula.
Weil did not respond to a message left at his office Saturday and his media representative did not respond to an e-mail.
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Weil’s Web site features a page about winter illnesses, saying “the 12 cold-weather herbal remedies recommended here should help you stay well, or at least help cut the duration of most winter health challenges.”
On Friday, a press release was posted on the site in response to information on the Today Show about the FDA warnings.
In the release, Weil says the information called into question was “primarily educational,” including tips to avoid the flu and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control. It also listed Weil Lifestyle products and supplements which “may help support a healthy immune system,” the release said.
“Because these products and the flu (which is a medical diagnosis) were both mentioned in editorial content on the site, and it was suggested that particular traditional herbal ingredients may provide some protection against flu, it was the opinion of the FDA/FTC that the language was in violation of current standards,” the news release said.
The content was removed from the site and is under review, Weil said in the release.
The FDA has issued an advisory, telling consumers to use “extreme care” when purchasing online products claiming to diagnose, treat or prevent the H1N1 virus. The agency and the Federal Trade Commission continue to closely watch these operations, anticipating more unauthorized items will pop up for sale as flu season draws near.
“It’s very important that consumers know these products can be deceptive and risky,” said Alyson L. Saben, deputy director of FDA’s Office of Enforcement. “They offer a false sense of protection and could delay someone from seeking treatment.”
Find the warning letters at www.fda.gov. Click on “warning letters” on the right side.
The Sun Sentinel of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., contributed to this report.
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