FDA alerts companies to stop illegal sale of treatments for diabetes

FDA: July 23, 2013

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is taking action to remove from the market illegal products, including some labeled as dietary supplements, that claim to mitigate, treat, cure or prevent diabetes and related complications. The agency recently issued letters warning 15 companies that the sale of their illegally marketed diabetes products violates federal law. The letters were sent to foreign and domestic companies whose products were sold online and in retail stores.

The FDA is advising consumers not to use these or similar products because they may contain harmful ingredients or may be otherwise unsafe, or may improperly be marketed as over-the-counter products when they should be marketed as prescription products. Using these products could cause consumers to delay seeking proper medical treatment for their diabetes. FDA-approved diabetes treatments, prescribed by a licensed health care professional and shown to be safe and effective, are readily available for people with diabetes.  Read more