Thursday, August 9, 2012

Health Care Fraud 101

FDA 101: Health Fraud Awareness

Please share copies of this
printer-friendly PDF (366 KB)

A fraudulent medical device with rubber pads and electrical wires, marketed as a muscular workout system, strapped around a man's waist.
On this page:
Health fraud is the deceptive sale or advertising of products that claim to be effective against medical conditions or otherwise beneficial to health, but which have not been proven safe and effective for those purposes.
In addition to wasting billions of consumers' dollars each year, health scams can lead patients to delay proper treatment and cause serious—and even fatal—injuries.
Since the 1990s, peddlers of fraudulent "health" products have used the Internet as a primary tool to hawk their wares. This has kept the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other agencies busier than ever in protecting the public from health fraud.
Since June 2008, FDA has warned consumers not to use bogus cancer-treatment products marketed online by 28 U.S. companies. These products include tablets, teas, tonics, salves, and creams sold under more than 180 different brand names.
And since December 2008, FDA has warned about more than 70 weight loss products containing unapproved pharmaceutical ingredients and chemicals not listed on the labels. Some of these ingredients present serious health risks when taken in dosages recommended on the product label.

Common Types of Health Fraud

Cancer fraud: Among the many long-running cancer scams is the Hoxsey Cancer Treatment, an herbal regimen that has no proven benefit. Another scam involves products called black salves. These are offered with the false promise of drawing cancer out from the skin, but they are potentially corrosive to tissues.
Cancer requires individualized treatment by a specialized physician. No single device, remedy, or treatment can treat all types of cancer.
Patients looking to try an experimental cancer treatment should enroll in a legitimate clinical study. For more information, visit the National Cancer Institute Clinical Trials Web site.
HIV/AIDS fraud: There are legitimate treatments that can help people with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). While early treatment of HIV can delay progression to AIDS, there is currently no cure for the disease.
Relying on unproven products and treatments can be dangerous and cause delays in seeking legitimate medical treatments that have been proven in clinical trials to improve quality of life.
Safe, reliable testing to determine whether you have HIV can be done by a medical professional.
To date, there is one FDA-approved testing system that allows individuals to test themselves at home. It is an HIV collection system that tests only for HIV-1, which is the cause of the majority of the world's HIV infections.
The test, sold either as The Home Access HIV-1 Test System or The Home Access Express HIV-1 Test System, allows blood samples to be sent to a laboratory for testing with an FDA approved HIV-1 test.
Arthritis fraud: The U.S. Federal Trade Commission says consumers spend about $2 billion annually on unproven arthritis remedies that are not backed by adequate science.
For current, accurate information on arthritis treatments and alternative therapies, visit the Arthritis Foundation Web site.
Fraudulent "diagnostic" tests: Doctors often use in vitro diagnostic (IVD) tests—in tandem with a physical examination and a medical history—to get a picture of a patient's overall health.
These tests involve blood, urine, or other specimen samples taken from the body. They help diagnose or measure many conditions, including pregnancy, hepatitis, fertility, HIV, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
It's rare that the use of only one of these tests can provide a meaningful diagnosis. You can buy IVD tests in stores, through the mail, or online. Many of these tests are regulated by FDA and sold legally. However, many others are marketed illegally and do not meet FDA's regulatory requirements. These tests may not work or may be harmful.
To find out whether FDA has cleared or approved an IVD test for a particular purpose, call FDA at (888) 463-6332, or your local FDA district office.
Bogus dietary supplements: The array of dietary supplements—including vitamins and minerals, amino acids, enzymes, herbs, animal extracts and others—has grown tremendously.
Although the benefits of some of these have been documented, the advantages of others are unproven. For example, claims that a supplement allows you to eat all you want and lose weight effortlessly are false.
Claims to treat diseases cause products to be considered drugs. Firms wanting to make such claims legally must follow FDA's premarket New Drug Approval process to show that the products are safe and effective.
Weight loss fraud: Since 2003, FDA has worked with national and international partners to take hundreds of compliance actions against companies pushing bogus and misleading weight loss schemes.
FDA has recently enhanced efforts to stop sales and importation of—and to warn consumers about—weight loss products that contain dangerous prescription drug ingredients that are not listed on the label.
Sexual enhancement product fraud: FDA has warned consumers about numerous illegal drugs promoted and sold online for treating erectile dysfunction and for enhancing sexual performance.
Although they are marketed as "dietary supplements," these products are really illegal drugs that contain potentially harmful ingredients that are not listed on the label.
Diabetes fraud: FDA has taken numerous compliance actions against sales of fraudulent diabetes "treatments" promoted with bogus claims such as
  • "drop your blood sugar 50 points in 30 days"
  • "eliminate insulin resistance"
  • "prevent the development of type 2 diabetes"
  • "reduce or eliminate the need for diabetes drugs or insulin"
Influenza (flu) scams: Federal agencies have come across contaminated, counterfeit, and subpotent influenza products.
FDA, with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, has intercepted products claimed to be generic versions of the influenza drug Tamiflu, but which actually contained vitamin C and other substances not shown to be effective in treating or preventing influenza.

Don't Be a Victim

It's ultimately up to the buyer to beware of potential health fraud. Know of the potential for health fraud and learn about the common techniques and gimmicks that fraudulent marketers use to gain your attention and trust.
For instance, testimonials from people who say they have used the product may sound convincing, but these can easily be made up. These "testimonials" are not a substitute for scientific proof.
Also, never diagnose or treat yourself with questionable products. Always check with your health care professional before using new medical products.
Be wary of these red flags:
  • claims that a product is a quick, effective cure-all or a diagnostic tool for a wide variety of ailments
  • suggestions that a product can treat or cure diseases
  • promotions using words such as "scientific breakthrough," "miraculous cure," "secret ingredient," and "ancient remedy"
  • text with impressive-sounding terms such as: "hunger stimulation point" and "thermogenesis" for a weight loss product
  • undocumented case histories by consumers or doctors claiming amazing results
  • limited availability and advance payment requirements
  • promises of no-risk, money-back guarantees
  • promises of an "easy" fix
  • claims that the product is "natural" or "non-toxic" (which doesn't necessarily mean safe)
Don't be fooled by professional-looking Web sites. Avoid Web sites that fail to list the company's name, physical address, phone number, or other contact information. For more tips for online buying, visit Buying  Medicines and Medical Products Online.

Report Problems

If you find a person or company that you think is illegally selling human drugs, animal drugs, medical devices, biological products, foods, dietary supplements, or cosmetics, report it to FDA.
To report problems with FDA-regulated products, call your local FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator.
To report unlawful sales of medical products on the Internet, visit Reporting Unlawful Sales on Internet.
This article appears on FDA's Consumer Updates page, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products.
Date Posted: May 12, 2009

33 comments:

i3cglobal said...

Hi there, I read your blogs on a regular basis. Your humoristic style is witty, keep it up! Thank You for Providing Such a Unique and valuable information, If you are looking for the best FDA 510k, then visit I3CGLOBAL. I enjoyed this blog post.

Laura Bush said...

Good information. I would like your article. Keep share more articles and pass information. we also provide Natural Health Products in Queensland. for more information visit on our website.

Tydus paul said...

Great Article… I love to read your articles because your writing style is too good, it is very very helpful for all of us and I never get bored while reading your article because they are becomes a more and more interesting from the starting lines until the end.Shop for Vitamins

Tydus paul said...

Hi there, I read your blogs on a regular basis. Your humoristic style is witty, keep it up! Thank You for Providing Such a Unique and valuable information,shop vitamins online

Methyforsale said...

It's a decent post, Which you have shared here about Health Fraud Awareness. Your blog is enlightening and I truly loved the manner in which you communicated your perspectives in this post. Thank you for sharing such blogs. Buy Methoxetamine Online in USA

strongfitnessmag said...

Excellent work. This post about Health Fraud Awareness that you have shared is attractive. Really, I was searching for these types of blogs. Thank you for sharing this blog. How do I improve my health

Rozer Baine said...

Great Post, This is giving more valuable information and contains a lot of information. This post is very useful for me as well as for others so please share more posts like this. Thanks for sharing. Health care pricing

FM Financial Group said...

Found your post interesting to read. I can't wait to see your post soon. Good Luck for the upcoming update.This article is really very interesting and effective. obama health care plan Tampa

JOB BD ALARM said...

Great post. I would like more information about this, because it is very nice. Read More

fararsand said...

Need a IRS tax fraud lawyer? Speak to us. We can help.

GEMPharma said...

This information is meaningful and magnificent which you have shared here about the I am impressed by the details that you have shared in this post and It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. I would like to thanks for sharing this article here.buy online medical products

Bangladeshi Food Fair said...

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and knowledge on this subject . this is often really helpful and informative, as this gave me more insight to make more ideas and solutions for my plan. i might like to see more updates from you. woman's weight loss see more
weightloss
Best weight loss result
Gain weight
kieto diet

Nectar Product Development said...

This information is very useful and like to bookmark this page for further use. Thanks for sharing this details.

JOB BD ALARM said...

Thanks for Your Great post. I would like more information about this, because it is very nice article for everyone. Read More

Online Marketing said...

Thanks for Your Great post. Common Types of Health Fraud more information

Anabel Castilla said...

Thanks for sharing nice information. I like your post and the details you shared. Up to date and quite an informative post, I bookmarked your website. You may visit Mindful Billing Services .

Health & Fitness said...

Thanks for Your Great post. I would like more information about this, Read Information because it is very nice article for everyone. Read More

perfect health said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
perfect health said...

Your blog is very useful for those who are searching for this kind of information, this information is a solution for those who are confused about it. Thanks for sharing this.
USANA Supplements

NGMSEO said...

I haven’t any word to appreciate this post.....Really i am impressed from this post....the person who create this post it was a great human..thanks for shared this with us. keto diet plan

continuumindia said...

I liked your way to represent such informative thoughts. Here you have shared an amazing article, this article provides a new idea about Food and Drug Administration. thanku for sharing this article. Drug Safety Specialist Online

Well Being Cares said...

This is actually good to read content of this blog. A is very general and huge knowledgeable platform has been known by this blog. I in reality appreciate this blog to have such kind of educational knowledge.
Top Health And Wellness Blogs

ihealthytips said...

Nice and interesting information and informative too.Nutrition Tips For Bodybuilding

Go Health Tips said...

Share great information about your blog , Blog really helpful for us .
Fitness Tips For Men

Healthy Mindz said...

Thanks for share your blog here .
Skin Care Health

Health And Healthy Tips said...

It is really a helpful blog to find some different source to add my knowledge.
Tips For Fitness And Healthy Life

Laura Bush said...

You have worked nicely with your insights that makes our work easy. The information you have provided is really factual and significant for us on Methoxetamine. Keep sharing these types of article, Thank you.Pure quality Methoxetamine 1kg Research Chemical online

cristiamedicalsupply said...

It's very nice of you to share your knowledge through posts. I love to read stories about your experiences. They're very useful and interesting. I am excited to read the next posts. I'm so grateful for all that you've done. Keep plugging. Many viewers like me fancy your writing. Thank you for sharing precious information with us. Best Frequently Asked Questions service provider.

pathway son line therapy said...

We will investigate the relationship's current state and determine what is and is not working during counseling sessions. We can understand your issues and come up with clear, practical solutions by working together.
family counseling online

Ronald Collins said...

We at The Well Woman are aware that requesting therapy services is a significant step that has likely required preparation for months or even years. Because we are aware that this will be a life-altering event, we are pleased that you have chosen to take this action. We trust you're anticipating this excursion, however we likewise realize that you might be apprehensive. Frequent nervousness is normal. The experience of treatment is extremely private and weak. To help you feel better, we'd like to talk more about the process here.
The Well Woman

dr coralarvon said...

Relationships are the domain of Dr. Coral Arvon's expertise. Whether you're a couple, a parent and child, a business associate, or a single person looking for meaningful relationships, she will help you connect.

Dr. Arvon possesses and runs Arvon and Partners in Advising, which has areas all over South Florida. In addition, she oversees social medicine and wellness at the Pritikin Life span Center and Spa, which can be accessed through Pritikin.com. Marriage Counseling Aventura, FL

barthj said...

Bed Protectors for Incontinence, Hospital Bed Sheets, Hospital Towels, and Clothing ProtectorsWholesale towels

Awaken Counseling said...

At Awaken Counseling, our therapists are stress and anxiety experts. We offer counseling for a broad range of mental health conditions including anxiety counseling, depression counseling, counseling for stress management, grief counseling, and postpartum counseling. counselor marietta ga