(RxWiki News) The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers about more fraudulent coronavirus treatments.
Currently, there are no medications approved to treat COVID-19, according to the FDA. Still, fraudulent products are claiming to prevent and treat COVID-19.
In the most recent case, the FDA warned consumers about chlorine dioxide products known as “Miracle Mineral Solution.”
Last fall, the FDA issued a warning regarding chlorine dioxide products that were being sold online as medical treatments for autism, cancer, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and the flu.
Now, these same products are being marketed to prevent and treat COVID-19.
"Despite previous warnings, the FDA is concerned that we are still seeing chlorine dioxide products being sold with misleading claims that they are safe and effective for the treatment of diseases, now including COVID-19," said FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen M. Hahn in a press release. "The sale of these products can jeopardize a person’s health and delay proper medical treatment."
These products have not been shown to be safe or effective, the FDA noted. In fact, these fraudulent products may actually pose significant risks to you and your family.
According to the FDA, when these products are mixed according to their package directions, they actually become a strong chemical.
These solutions typically require you to mix them with citric acid (such as lemon or lime juice). In some cases, the solution comes with a citric acid “activator."
When these solutions are mixed with acid, the mixture actually becomes chlorine dioxide, which is a powerful bleaching agent. People should not swallow these kinds of chemicals.
The agency has received reports of serious adverse events associated with chlorine dioxide products. These include the following:
- Respiratory failure
- Changes in the electrical activity of the heart
- Extremely low blood pressure
- Acute liver failure
- Low blood cell counts
- Severe vomiting and diarrhea that can lead to dehydration
Another concern: If consumers turn to these products that claim to prevent or treat COVID-19, this can result in delayed appropriate medical care or stopping of appropriate care. Delaying the right care or stopping appropriate treatment can place people at serious and life-threatening risk.
These chlorine dioxide products were being sold by Genesis II Church of Health and Healing, according to the FDA.
Speak with your health care provider if you have any questions.
