Skip to main content
          Skip to FDA Search
          Skip to in this section menu
          Skip to footer links


U.S. flagAn official website of the United States government

					Here’s how you know
          			Dot gov**The .gov means it’s official.**Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site.
							      SSL**The site is secure.** The **https://** ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. 
			U.S. Food and Drug Administration
				
        Search
            Menu
							
						Search FDA
									
									Submit search 
		Featured
							Contact FDA
	                FDA Guidance Documents
	                Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts
	                Press Announcements
	                Warning Letters
	                Advisory Committees
	                En Español

					Products
            Food
							Drugs
							Medical Devices
							Radiation-Emitting Products
							Vaccines, Blood, and Biologics
							Animal and Veterinary
							Cosmetics
							Tobacco ProductsTopics
            About FDA
							Combination Products
							Regulatory Information
							Safety
							Emergency Preparedness
							International Programs
							News and Events
							Training and Continuing Education
							Inspections and Compliance
							Science and ResearchInformation For
            Consumers
	            Patients
	            Industry
	            Health Professionals
	            Federal, State and Local Officials 
 In this section:

        Buying & Using Medicine Safely

Medication Health Fraud

                        
                FDA Actions to Stop Medication Health Fraud
          Medication Health Fraud Questions and Answers
          Medication Health Fraud for Specific Diseases and Conditions Home
          Drugs
          Resources | Drugs
          Information for Consumers and Patients | Drugs
          Buying & Using Medicine Safely
          Medication Health FraudBuying & Using Medicine Safely Medication Health Fraud
  	
        Subscribe to Email Updates
    Share
    Post
    Linkedin

    Email
    PrintSubscribe for Updates

Medication health fraud includes the marketing of medication products with unproven, false, or misleading claims about those products' ability to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent diseases or conditions. Use of medication products marketed with unproven claims or containing hidden drug ingredients could cause serious health problems. Stay informed, know the risks, and prioritize your safety.
Sub-Topic Paragraphs
          Medication health fraudThree pill bottles with the label "Miracle Cure".

                    Medication Health Fraud Questions and Answers
            Search a database of more than 1,000 unapproved products and learn about medication health fraud and red flags
          
          Magnifying Glass held over a pile of pills

                    Products with Hidden Ingredients
            FDA testing identified products promoted for sexual enhancement, weight loss, body building, arthritis/pain, or use as sleep aid that contain hidden drug ingredients
    
          Woman laying on pillows in hospital bed looking out the window

                    Medication Health Fraud for Specific Diseases and Conditions
            Unproven, false, or misleading claims about the products' ability to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent diseases or conditions, such as cancer, autism, and more
    
          Seated Woman and Man in Wheelchair looking at an image on a laptop screen of a Female with a stethoscope.

                    The Risks of Buying Prescription Medication Online
            Beware of online sellers that claim to provide prescription drugs without a doctor’s order
    
          An open book on top of a stack of books with a set of scales in the background

                    What Is FDA Doing About Medication Health Fraud?
            Learn how FDA protects consumers and patients
    
          A handful of pills on top of a group of 100-dollar bills

                    Counterfeit Medicines
            Illicit, counterfeit medicine is fake and may be harmful to your health
          Report a ProblemReport a Problem to FDA
            Report adverse reactions or other problems with drug products. Consumers can play an important public health role by reporting to FDA any adverse reactions or other problems with drug products.MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program
            FDA’s medical product safety reporting program for health professionals, patients and consumers.

                                                                                  Content current as of:
      08/22/2023
                  
                   
Regulated Product(s)
		 DrugsMedication Health Fraud                
                          

                        FDA Actions to Stop Medication Health Fraud
          Medication Health Fraud Questions and Answers
          Medication Health Fraud for Specific Diseases and Conditions
 SUBSCRIBE
                      Get regular FDA email updates delivered on this topic to your inbox.
    Enter your email address to subscribe:
 Footer Links
    FDA Archive
          About FDA
          Accessibility
      Visitor Information
          Website Policies / Privacy
          No FEAR Act
          Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
      FOIA
          HHS.gov
          USA.gov
    Contact FDA
      Follow FDA on Facebook
      Follow FDA on X
      Follow FDA on Instagram
      Follow FDA on LinkedIn
      View FDA videos on YouTube
      Subscribe to FDA RSS feeds
    FDA Homepage
    Contact Number
      1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332) Back toTop