The American authorities to target them controversial products STD (HealthDay)

(Tuesday, may 3, HealthDay News) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission of the United States are cracking down against the manufacturers of products in free sale that claim to treat, cure or prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

Agencies jointly sent letters to companies including Medavir, Herpaflor, Viruxo, C-Cure and never an outbreak, warning that their products are unproven and violate federal law, the FDA said in a statement released Tuesday.

"These products are dangerous because they are intended for patients with serious diseases, where proven to be safe and effective treatment options are available," Deborah M. Autor, Director of the Office of Compliance to the FDA for the Research Centre and the evaluation of medicinalsaid the release.

Chlamydia, genital warts, herpes, HIV and AIDS are among the diseases that products - sold online and through retail points - claim to treat. However, the drugs only approved by the FDA available to treat these conditions require a prescription and the supervision of a professional health, the Agency said.

Because products have not been evaluated for safety and effectiveness, people who buy them will not necessary treatment and could then infect their sexual partners, said Autor.

The elements are considered drugs under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act because they are sold to treat diseases, and they violate the right of interstate commerce if they lack an approved new drug application to FDAthe FDA explained. In addition, the Federal Trade Commission Act it is illegal to make unfounded claims of treatment, said of the regulatory agencies.

"These companies are on notice that the health benefits that are not supported by rigorous scientific evidence of advertising violates the FTC Act," said David Vladeck, Director of the FTC Consumer Protection Bureau. Health scams which endanger public health will not be tolerated, he added.

The letters are the first step to remove unproven products from the market. The companies have 15 days to inform the FDA of the measures they take to correct the alleged violations or face possible legal action.

More information

The U.S. National Library of Medicine has more on sexually transmitted diseases.

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