There’s no vaccine and ‘you can’t test yourself,’ warns the FDA about coronavirus scams
Editor’s note: A previous version of this story included a reference to a rapid diagnostic COVID-19 test launched Tuesday by Abacus Pharma International, a kit that gives COVID-19 results in 15 minutes. Though the test doesn’t have FAA approval for retail sale, the 25-test kit can be sold to medical professionals under the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization act.. The company has not been included in any FDA warnings.
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a reminder this week about coronavirus testing, vaccines and cures. The latter two don’t even exist yet in FDA-approved form.
Testing
None of the home COVID-19 tests for retail sale have been authorized by the FDA, which knows some companies have been selling tests online.
Vaccines and treatments
The FDA, along with the Federal Trade Commission, already sent warning letters to seven entities, including “The Jim Bakker Show,” about hawking substances with the claims they will fight off novel coronavirus.
“Although there are investigational COVID-19 vaccines and treatments being studied in clinical trials, these products are in the early stages of development,” the agency said. “They haven’t yet been fully tested for safety or effectiveness, or received FDA approval.”
The agency mentions people taking chloroquine phosphate to combat COVID-19 with the caution, “Products for veterinary use or for “research use only” may have adverse effects, including serious illness and death, when taken by people.”
An Arizona husband died and his wife went into critical condition after taking chloroquine phosphate earlier this month.
Tips from the FDA to avoid being a sucker
▪ “Be suspicious of products that claim to treat a wide range of diseases.”
▪ “Personal testimonials are no substitute for scientific evidence.”
▪ “Few diseases or conditions can be treated quickly, so be suspicious of any therapy claimed as a “quick fix.””
▪ “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
▪ “”Miracle cures,” which claim scientific breakthroughs or contain secret ingredients, are likely a hoax.”
▪ “You can’t test yourself for coronavirus disease.”
This story was originally published March 25, 2020 at 12:44 PM.
