Fraudulent H1N1 products widget offered by the FDA

October 22, 9:15 PMPopular Science ExaminerAsta Gindulyte

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Lately, a great many sites are offering all kinds of cures for H1N1 you can order online. Be careful out there, however, as for the unscrupulous, a crisis is a great time to profit.

After purchasing and analyzing a few products offered for sale online, the FDA has issued a fraud warning to consumers about illegal drugs being marketed in relation to the H1N1 virus. One of the orders arrived in an unmarked envelope from India, and contained unlabeled tablets which did not contain the active ingredient it claimed to have, the FDA report said.

Fraudulent H1N1 products include dietary supplements, drugs, medical devices, and vaccines. Since May 2009, more than 75 websites have been warned by the FDA to stop selling products with fraudulent H1N1 claims.

The FDA maintains a Fraudulent 2009 H1N1 Influenza Products List and, in order to encourage the consumers to actively participate in fraud prevention, they also offer a searchable widget for download. Everyone is encouraged to place it on their website or blog, and report any suspected fraudulent products.

If in doubt, check whether a particular H1N1 product has been approved by the FDA, and/or contact your health care provider.

For more information:  Top 5 websites for legitimate H1N1 information