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Recalls & Warnings
ConsumerLab.com is keeping you informed with current product recalls and warnings.
Posted September 29, 2020
FDA Warns Consumers about Fraudulent Tests, Vaccines, and Treatments for COVID-19
On September 21, 2020, the FDA released a statement warning consumers not to buy or use "questionable products" that claim to help diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent coronavirus (COVID-19). Since the pandemic began, the FDA and FTC have warned numerous companies for selling unproven and illegally-marketed products that make false claims. These products may be dangerous, especially if consumers use them instead of seeking real medical treatments when needed, and there is a possibility that they can cause adverse effects or interfere with essential medications.
See ConsumerLab's answers to the question: What are natural remedies for coronavirus (COVID-19)? Do supplements like zinc, vitamin C, or herbals work?
The FDA emphasized that there are no vaccines to prevent COVID-19 or approved at-home test kits for the virus. (See examples of recent warning letters sent to sellers of "at-home" COVID-19 tests kits here and here.)
Also see ConsumerLab's answer to the question: How can I get tested for the coronavirus? Can I get a home-test for COVID-19? Which are the best tests? Are any tests free?
The FDA also provided the following tips on how to avoid unapproved and potentially-dangerous COVID-19 products:
- Beware of products that claim to treat many illnesses
- Personal stories are not scientific evidence
- Be careful of products that claim to be a "quick fix," as most diseases take time to treat
- If it seems "too good to be true," it likely is
- Any product that claims to be a "miracle cure" is probably a hoax
- There are no self-tests for COVID-19
For more information, use the link below.
Beware of Fraudulent Coronavirus Tests, Vaccines and Treatments
See Related Warnings:
FDA Warns Seller of Unapproved "COVID-19 test package"
FDA Warns Seller of Unapproved "Wondfo Novel Coronavirus Antibody Detection Kit"
Seller of "COVID PACK" Warned for Coronavirus Claims
Seller of CBD and NAC Warned for Coronavirus Claims
Colloidal Silver Seller Warned for Coronavirus Claims
Seller of Immune Shot Criminally Charged With Making Coronavirus Claims
FDA Warns Three More Companies Selling Unapproved COVID-19 Tests
Report a Problem
If you have experienced an unexpected and adverse reaction to a dietary supplement, nutritional product, or generic drug, we would like to hear about it, as we may investigate the problem. Please select from one of these options:
Dietary Supplement or Nutritional Product Problem Report
If you believe that a dietary supplement (e.g., vitamin, mineral, or herbal supplement) or other nutritional product has caused an unexpected, adverse reaction, we would like to know about it. We are collecting and organizing this information and may publish it. We might test the product in the future. You may also want to report the problem to the U.S. FDA through their Safety Reporting Portal at https://www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov.
Please complete the form below as accurately as possible. You may need to check the label on the product.
Thank you for submitting your report.
Generic Drug Problem Report
If you believe that a generic drug has not acted like the original drug, we would like to know about it. We are collecting and organizing this information and may publish it. We might test the product in the future. You may also want to report the problem to the U.S. FDA through their MedWatch program at the FDA MedWatch website.
Please complete the form below as accurately as possible. You may need to check the label on the drug.
Thank you for submitting your report.
