Back in early May, 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration sent warning letters to a number of companies touting treatments and cures for STDs. According to one letter, sent to Medavir Medical Advances, Inc. the language on the website could put consumers in danger because herpes should not be self-diagnosed and treated. Some of the statements on the website www.medavir.net, [prior to the letter being sent]:

• “Apply MedaVir^TMjust before the outbreak (burning, itching prodromal phase) and sores never break thru skin”
• “Any sores that do occur heal 50% faster and are much less severe, results are dramatic.”
• “MedaVir^TM is the only treatment that works.”
• “This is a great time to order MedaVir^TM since outbreaks can be completely prevented when this product is applied during the burning, itching prodromal phase. Over 90% of outbreaks do not occur when you apply MedaVir^TM at first signs of outbreak.”
• “Heal Sores in Hours”
• “Stop herpes simplex outbreaks forever!”

Having to go to the doctor for herpes can be humiliating for many people. Sites such as MedaVir tout treatments that can be bought over the internet, without having to face a doctor. But such claims are unsubstantiated and some can be outright lies. Besides Medavir, other sites sent warning letters include:

• C-Cure
• Herpaflor
• Never an Outbreak
• Viruxo

The warning letters gave the companies 15 days to comply with FDA regulations.

What the Sites Say Today

Now, more than 30 days since the FDA sent letters, sites have changed but are still trying to sell products that are not recommended by doctors. Remember, herpes, although embarrassing, are treatable, although not curable, and there are FDA approved medications which have been proven to be effective.

Some of the statements on the sites today:

Herpaflor

“To our loyal customers: we have been advised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of regulatory requirements that affect the marketing of products such as Herpaflor. You will notice we can no longer provide descriptions of our products, or make any health claims for them.”

Viruxo

“There is currently no cure for Herpes but you can still live a confident life against outbreaks. The bottom line is that Viruxo works!

“Thousands of people suffering from herpes are excited to see web sites claiming to have a miracle Herpes Cure. Unfortunately, lack of credibility leads these site to making amazing claims atempting to convince you to buy. Viruxo is the only herpes tablet providing honest, reliable facts supported with a proven track record. Even though there is no herpes cure, you can still live your life without any outbreaks.”

At the bottom of their site, in small print, it states, “Warning: Statements expressed within this site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any and all information and/or statements found within this site are for educational purposes only and are NOT intended to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent disease or replace the advice of a licensed healthcare practitioner.”