FDA, FTC Crack Down on Supplements Claiming to Treat STDs

On May 3, the FTC and FDA sent warning letters to companies, including some dietary supplement companies, making unproven claims that their products treat, cure, and prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

According to the agencies, products claimed to treat a range of STDs, including herpes, Chlamydia, genital warts, HIV, and AIDS. “While some of the companies market these products as dietary supplements, these products are all drug products under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), as they are offered for the treatment of disease,” said the agencies in a press statement.

“Consumers who buy these products may not seek the medical attention they need and could spread infections to sexual partners,” said Deborah M. Autor, director of the Office of Compliance in FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, in a press statement.