FDA Warns Makers of "Natural" and "Homeopathic" Dietary Supplements to Stop Illegal Sale of Treatments for Diabetes

The FDA 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. 

The illegally sold products include:

• Products sold as “natural” treatments for diabetes, but containing undeclared active pharmaceutical ingredients in unknown quantities that could cause harm or complicate  medical conditions;
• Dietary supplements and ayurvedic products (medicine of the healing arts that originated in India) with claims to treat, cure, and/or prevent diabetes; 
• Unapproved drugs sold over-the-counter, including some homeopathic products, intended to treat complications associated with diabetes, which include relieving symptoms caused by nerve damage in the arms and legs (also called peripheral neuropathy); and
• Prescription drugs for diabetes sold by online pharmacies without a prescription.

The FDA is not aware of any reports or injury or illness from taking the illegally sold products, but is taking action to protect public health from potential harm.

[1]  FDA News Release "FDA alerts companies to stop illegal sale of treatments for diabetes" (July 23, 2013).