The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sent warning letters to 14 companies for illegally marketing more than 65 products that are claimed to diagnose, treat, or cure cancer, according to a press release.1

These products are not FDA approved and are primarily sold through websites and social media.

“Consumers should not use these or similar unproven products because they may be unsafe and could prevent a person from seeking an appropriate and potentially life-saving cancer diagnosis or treatment,” said Douglas W. Stearn, director of the Office of Enforcement and Import Operations in the FDA’s Office of Regulatory Affairs, in the press release.

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The marketed products include diagnostic devices, pills, topical creams or ointments, oils, syrups, and teas from the following 14 companies:2

  • AIE Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
  • Amazing Sour Sop, Inc.
  • BioStar Technology International, LLC
  • Caudill Seed & Warehouse, Inc.
  • DoctorVicks.com
  • Everything Herbs
  • Hawk Dok Natural Salve, LLC
  • Healing Within Products & Services, Inc.
  • LifeVantage Corporation
  • Nature’s Treasure, Inc.
  • Oxygen Health Systems, LLC
  • Sunstone, Inc.
  • The Vibrant H ealth Store, LLC dba Dr. Christopher’s Herbs
  • The Vitamin C Foundation

An additional 4 companies, including CellMark Biopharma, LLC, Landis Revin, LLC, Nathans Natural, and www.healinginabottle.com, received online advisory letters.

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The companies must reply to the FDA as to how they will correct the violations, or legal action may result.

Consumers and health care professionals are strongly advised to avoid these companies and their products.

Reference

  1. FDA takes action against 14 companies for selling illegal cancer treatments [news release]. Silver Spring, MD: US Food and Drug Administration; April 25, 2017. https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm554698.htm?source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery. Accessed April 25, 2017.
  2. Illegally Sold Cancer Treatments. US Food and Drug Administration website. https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ProtectYourself/HealthFraud/ucm533465.htm#T1. Updated April 25, 2017. Accessed April 25, 2017.

Topics:

General Oncology