Beware of fraudulent swine flu products
The Complementary Healthcare Council and the Australian Self Medication Industry are warning consumers to stay away from complementary medicines or medications that claim to treat or prevent swine flu.
The two industry associations have collaborated to issue a joint warning against such products, and to urge their member companies to refuse to stock or sell them.
The public should be wary of Internet sites and other promotions for products that claim to diagnose, prevent, mitigate, treat or cure the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus that have not been proven to be safe and effective for these uses by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
Many of these deceptive products are being sold over the internet via illegitimate web sites. The operators of these web sites take advantage of the public’s concerns about H1N1 influenza and their desire to protect themselves and their families. These fraudulent products can present as supplements, food products, or products purporting to be drugs, devices or vaccines.
There are a number of over-the-counter and complementary medicines that can assist consumers with maintaining their health and concerned consumers are advised to consult a healthcare professional for advice.
Consumers aware of fraudulent products should advise the Therapeutic Goods Administration: www.tga.gov.au
