![Toogoodtobetruex350_0](https://www.hivplusmag.com/media-library/toogoodtobetruex350-0.jpg?id=32665902&width=1200&height=1200)
Treatment GuideJust DiagnosedSex & DatingAfrican AmericanStigmaAsk the HIV DocPrEP En EspañolNewsVoicesPrint IssueVideoOut 100
CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
When the economy is fragile and money is tight, people with HIV and other infections may look to the Internet or retail stores for treatment options that are less expensive than doctor-prescribed meds. But the Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to trust drugs that were never evaluated or approved by the government, specifically those claiming to cure HIV, genital warts, herpes, and other incurable infections. Eleven manufacturers were issued letters on April 28 by the FDA and the Federal Trade Commission to stop making unproven claims with regards to their products. Among those manufacturers were Masterpeace Inc., which sells Disintegrate Formula and Detox Formula, claiming that its products treat HIV. Makers of other drugs like Medavir, Herpaflor, Viruxo, C-Cure, and Never An Outbreak claim to treat or cure herpes, though their claims have not been verified by the FDA. The companies were given 15 days to notify the agencies of their plans to take the necessary steps to come into compliance with the laws. If they fail to communicate these steps, they may face legal action including seizure injunction or criminal prosecution. FDA public relations specialist Shelly Burgess said the government agencies would continue to monitor and investigate the trade of these drugs, as well as build regulatory provisions to stop the dissemination of unapproved products. 'It is expected that the announcement will send a strong message that profiting through health fraud and endangering public health will not be tolerated,' Burgess said. It is unknown exactly how many people have purchased these products, but Brandon Macsata, CEO of the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) Advocacy Association, says that this situation presents a clear example of why more could be done to regulate drug sales in the country. 'We could say that the United States has the most strict regulations for prescription drugs, and there's a reason. We want to make sure people are getting the medication they're supposed to be getting. We want to make sure it's a legitimate product that will combat the disease, or infection, that they have,' he said. Burgess suggests that people seeking treatment should see a medical professional who can prescribe regulated, FDA-approved treatment. Macsata says he understands the economic hardships that many currently grapple with, which may keep people from paying for prescription medication and legitimate health care. 'We're facing the ADAP crisis, where there's 8,000 people on waiting list to get medications, while government officials are parading around saying they're getting help from pharmaceutical programs,' he says. 'Still, we don't know how many people are falling through the cracks. You have to look at it from the patient's perspective. If you don't have insurance, and the one program you rely on says it can't afford to serve you, you're going to do what you can to get access to some medication.' Still, Mascata suggests finding other programs, charities, and other methods of finding sanctioned drugs. 'My advice to any patient is if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,' he says. 'If you're looking for a drug that costs $35 a day, and you find it for $8, there's probably a reason.'
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Before AIDS, gay artist Rex drew hot men on the prowl — then he disappeared
April 11 2024 3:15 PM
Diets that mimic fasting reverse aging: study
March 07 2024 5:28 PM
PrEP without a prescription now a reality in California
February 06 2024 8:37 PM
Injectable HIV treatment, prevention: Everything you need to know
March 26 2024 3:28 PM
8 dating tips for gay men from a gay therapist
March 21 2024 2:50 PM
Happy national foreskin day!
April 04 2024 1:45 PM
The science behind U=U has been liberating people with HIV for years
June 04 2024 3:31 PM
Scarlet fever: exploring our fascination with blood
March 13 2024 1:47 PM
On Anal Sex Day, crack up with The Bottom's Digest
April 18 2024 10:22 AM
Plus: Featured Video
Latest Stories
Activist and philanthropist Bruce Bastian dies at 76
June 26 2024 1:28 PM
Yes, HIV-positive people can safely breastfeed
June 26 2024 12:59 PM
Exclusive: We kiki with Q from 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
June 24 2024 11:37 AM
Court rules to keep PrEP coverage under Obamacare
June 21 2024 5:42 PM
In honor of Juneteenth 2024, meet The Normal Anomaly
June 19 2024 1:39 PM
What is Juneteenth?
June 19 2024 11:30 AM
As Pride party season begins, the CDC urges mpox vaccinations
May 16 2024 6:52 PM
Advocacy in action with AIDSWatch
May 09 2024 12:30 PM
The Talk: Thriving with HIV
May 08 2024 10:45 AM
The Talk: What HIV isn’t
May 07 2024 10:48 AM
The Talk: Finding balance with HIV
May 06 2024 10:51 AM
Justice Dept plans to reschedule marijuana as a lower-risk drug
May 03 2024 2:40 PM
The Talk: Starting your journey with HIV
May 03 2024 2:00 PM
Why is a mother’s mental health so important? A doctor explains
May 01 2024 1:38 PM
Walmart to close all of its health care clinics
April 30 2024 12:30 PM
Vampire facial spa infected several women with HIV
April 29 2024 7:26 PM