FDA Warns Companies Selling Herbal Medication For Monkeypox; Experts Suggest Getting Mpox Treatment From Healthcare Providers

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns companies selling mpox medication and urges consumers to be wary in buying cures for monkeypox.

FDA Sends Several Warning Letters To Companies Selling Mpox Treatments

Several products that companies claimed could cure monkeypox are being sold online. However, the items have not been reviewed by FDA and are not proven safe or effective against mpox and other health conditions they claim to address.

The agency also shared pictures of the alleged illegal products being sold, ABC News reported.

FDA added that one company falsely claims to offer a "herbal and natural remedy" for mpox from the carnivorous purple pitcher plant Sarracenia Purpuria.

The agency also noted how the sites use additional metatags and social media posts with keywords like "Monkey Pox," "herbal natural remedy," and "remedy coming soon," to get attention and convince buyers to purchase on the site.

FDA also called out another site that seemingly targets young parents, falsely claiming that colloidal silver can help fight viral infections not only for mpox but more diseases.

The company alleged that colloidal silver is an antiviral that can kill the virus that causes COVID-19 and is also effective in other viruses, including monkeypox, herpes, RSV and upper respiratory tract infections like influenza.

The agency criticized the marketing scheme because it preys on parents who want to care for their children after a difficult fall and winter season.

The FDA singled out the blog post promoting the colloidal silver product, saying it was particularly concerning because it is for infants and children. It even advertised the product as something that tastes like water; even the pickiest kids won't notice they're taking medicine.

ALSO READ: Monkeypox Antiviral Drug: What is Tecovirimat's Role in the Virus' Mutation?

Why FDA Discouraged Buying Unapproved Drugs

FDA doesn't want consumers to buy drugs in outlets selling unapproved drugs because they can pose serious health risks. The agency noted that untested drugs could have unpredictable and unintended consequences, especially when given to vulnerable populations like infants and children, as they are at greater risk of adverse reactions.

Health experts recommend speaking with healthcare providers to get medical care for mpox or any health problem. They warned that wellness products sold online aren't rigorously tested.

Dr. Stephen M. Hahn, the commissioner for food and drugs at the Food and Drug Administration, said in an article published on USA Today that FDA's mission is to protect Americans from health fraud, including purchasing and using medical products or devices that have not been proven safe and effective.

He noted that health fraud scams could delay proper diagnoses and treatment. Worse, they may even lead to more severe injuries or death.

According to him, they work closely with major retailers, monitoring their online stores for fraudulent products. In 2020, they found 50 marketed products marketed on popular marketplaces with unproven claims. They had the listings removed from the marketplaces.

He added that FDA would take action against unscrupulous actors who are marketing unlawful products related to the outbreak.