Ohio Defective Drug Cases
Fraudulent Influenza Products

Columbus, Ohio

With the recent outbreak of the H1N1 influenza strain (commonly known as “swine flu”), the problem of fraudulent influenza products has once again reared its ugly head.  These products often make incredible claims about their preventative or curative powers, but can be just as, if not more, dangerous than the virus they claim to fight.  These products have not been approved by the FDA.

False Claims

These fraudulent products make a number of wide-ranging claims about their powers over influenza, including diagnosing, preventing, limiting, curing, or treating influenza, including the swine flu.  These products also come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and types.  These include products that fall into these categories:

• Air System
• Gloves & Masks
• Herbal Extracts, Supplements, and Teas
• Inhalers
• Shampoos
• Sprays
• Tests

Many of these products have either been uncleared, unapproved, or unauthorized by the FDA, making the products’ effects unknown.  Products for consumption, such as teas and herbal extracts, have not been scientifically tested and approved for human use, and may pose a serious health risk.  These products are often found on the internet, and can contain ingredients banned by the FDA.  One such ingredient, aristolochic acid, is a carcinogen found in herbal products claiming to remedy a number of ailments, and was banned by the FDA due to its role in kidney failures and urinary tract cancers. 

FDA Warnings

In May of 2009, the FDA issued a warning to consumers to beware of products “not approved, cleared, or authorized by the FDA for the treatment or prevention of influenza” and that those who take these products “risk their health and the health of their families.”  Only two drugs are approved by the FDA for the prevention and treatment of the influenza virus (including the H1N1 swine flu type), Relenza and Tamiflu.  Also posing a danger are counterfeit versions of these products, whose ingredients are often unknown.  All of these products pose a significant health risk and are a danger to the public.

In Your Corner

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a fraudulent influenza product, please contact the personal injury experts at Robert W. Kerpsack Co., L.P.A. to find out more about your options and to schedule a consultation. 

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