The US Food and Drug Administration is cracking down on 15 companies trying to cash in on the diabetes epidemic, which affects nearly 26 million Americans. It sent warning letters telling the companies to stop violating US drug laws. The FDA targeted marketers of natural supplements, such as a traditional Asian herbal remedy, that actually contain unlisted pharmaceutical ingredients. Also getting warnings were dietary-supplement manufacturers making unproven claims for preventing or treating the disease. Consumers should exercise caution before using products claiming to be herbal or all-natural alternatives to FDA-approved prescription drugs, the agency stated. These products should be considered unsafe and should not be used. Other warnings went to online pharmacies selling prescription diabetes drugs without a prescription. The FDA cautions consumers not to buy prescription medications on the Internet; according to a review by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, only 3% of online pharmacies comply with all US laws.
