Herpes 'remedies' sold on Amazon and Walmart pose public health risk, FDA warns
Creams, sprays and washes that promise relief from genital herpes are easy to order online, but none of them has been approved to treat the infection.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warning letters to Amazon and Walmart over unapproved herpes creams, sprays, and washes sold on their websites. These products, which claim to alleviate genital herpes symptoms, are unapproved drugs that cannot be legally shipped across state lines. The FDA bought the products in July, finding that they were marketed to treat or prevent genital herpes outbreaks, reduce repeat flare-ups, and soothe sores.
The FDA emphasizes that effective treatment for genital herpes requires diagnosis and supervision by a licensed healthcare professional. Homeopathic products, despite being sold as treatments, face the same approval rules as any other drug. The bigger concern, however, is when people rely on these unapproved products instead of seeking professional medical care.
Delayed care can increase the risk of serious complications from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including infertility, sepsis, and death. Additionally, people who think they've been treated may unknowingly pass the infection to a partner.
Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. Approximately 572,000 new infections occurred among people aged 14 to 49 in the United States in 2018. Many individuals with herpes are asymptomatic, and mild symptoms can resemble a pimple or ingrown hair, often leading to misdiagnosis.
There is no cure for genital herpes, but prescription antiviral medications can prevent or shorten outbreaks and reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to a partner. A healthcare provider can diagnose herpes through a sore examination or a blood test for antibodies.
The FDA warns that unapproved herpes products sold on Amazon and Walmart may lead to delayed effective care and increased transmission risk. While there is no cure for genital herpes, prescription antivirals can help manage outbreaks and lower transmission risk. Diagnosis and treatment require professional medical care. Amazon and Walmart have 15 days to respond with a plan to address the issues, or the FDA may seize products or take legal action to stop sales.
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