# 3813
It probably comes as no surprise to anyone that a lot of companies have leapt onto any opportunity to make money off of pandemic fears. We’ve a long history of entrepreneurs who see a need, and move in quickly to fill it.
Where all of this goes astray is when the products being sold are misrepresented as being protective against the pandemic virus, or worse, are actually dangerous in and of themselves.
Usually these products run afoul of the FDA because of the claims of their promoters that they can cure or prevent a disease.
Some of these products may have legitimate uses, but are included in this list because they are not cleared, approved, or authorized for the diagnosis, mitigation, prevention, treatment, or cure of the 2009 H1N1 flu virus.
The FDA maintains a webpage of pandemic H1N1 related products that it considers to be fraudulent or misleading (don’t complain to me if your product is on it). I don’t make the list, I only report on it.
They describe the page this way:
Fraudulent 2009 H1N1 Influenza Products List
Purpose of the Fraudulent Products List
This list is intended to alert consumers about Web sites that are illegally marketing unapproved, uncleared, or unauthorized products in relation to the 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus (sometimes referred to as the “swine flu” virus). Note that until evidence to the contrary is presented to FDA, the owner of the listed Web site is considered responsible for promoting the unapproved, uncleared, or unauthorized products. The uses related to the 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus are not necessarily being promoted by the manufacturers of the products.
Consumer Considerations about the Products List
- This list does not include every Web site that is marketing products related to the 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus without FDA approval, clearance, or authorization, only those Web sites to which FDA has issued a warning letter.
- Even if a Web site is not included in this list, consumers should exercise caution before purchasing over the Internet any product purporting to diagnose, mitigate, prevent, treat, or cure the 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus.
- Please note that some of these products may be approved or cleared by FDA for other medical uses. The fact that a product is listed on this page indicates ONLY that the products are not cleared, approved, or authorized for the diagnosis, mitigation, prevention, treatment, or cure of the 2009 H1N1 flu virus.
Download All H1N1 Flu Unapproved, Uncleared, or Unauthorized Products
Currently there are 136 entries in 15 different categories. This list is updated regularly. The last time I highlighted this list (May 27th) there were 71 entries.
Caveat Emptor.
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