FDA warns: Don't be misled by 'swine flu' scams
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Updated: 6:27 PM Nov 9, 2009
FDA warns: Don't be misled by 'swine flu' scams
Swine flu scares have many searching for a magic cure. But the Food and Drug Administration says some online sellers are trying to scam you and cash in on the scare. Almost 150 products are on the FDA's "Fraudulent Products List."
Posted: 5:23 PM Nov 9, 2009
Reporter: Sara Shookman
Email Address: sara.shookman@wvlt-tv.com
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MORRISTOWN, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Swine flu scares have many searching for a magic cure. But the Food and Drug Administration says some online sellers are trying to scam you and cash in on the scare. Almost 150 products are on the FDA's "Fraudulent Products List."

When her son isn't feeling well, Rebekah Spalding usually tries at home remedies first. "I normally do basic over the counter care. If the over the counter care doesn't take care of it, and it persists then we go to the doctor because obviously its not something I can treat at home," says Spalding of Morristown.

But she says she'd never try some of the things online sellers are offering to treat the H1N1 virus. The FDA says fraudulent products ranging from shampoo to supplements are online. "I think the ionic shampoo are pretty ridiculous. I don't think that the ions are going to repel the H1N1 virus," says Dr. Jana Bunsic, of Healthstar Physicians in Morristown.

Dr. Bunsic says while many patients have concerns about H1N1, common sense is necessary when thinking about a 'cure.' "There is definitely some cause for concern, of course, hysteria is never warranted. I think we just have to be smarter about things," says Bunsic.

She says most people already heard how to prevent H1N1 -- hand washing, avoiding contact with those infected, and getting the H1N1 flu vaccine. Anti-viral drugs like Tamiflu can help with symptoms, but Bunsic says that's only if you have a prescription and have it filled at a reputable pharmacy.

"You're not guaranteed on these online pharmacies the kind of quality control for the medication. Is it really that medication that you are receiving, is it some kind of placebo that they've packaged in order to make lots of money?" says Bunsic.

The F-D-A says Tamiflu they've purchased has been little more than talc and Tylenol. Even if you get the real deal, you could be putting yourself in danger. The doctor's orders? See a doctor.

"That's really an ounce of prevention that's worth a pound of cure," says Bunsic. To see a complete list of products, click on the link below.