Best Source for an STD Cure: Your Doctor
Consumers also need to know that only prescription medications purchased from legitimate pharmacies can treat STD, and to avoid so-called over-the-counter cures as well as prescription medications purchased from questionable sources.
Beware of Bogus STD Products
by The U.S. Food and Drug Administration via Flickr.
During Sexually Transmitted Disease Awareness month, public health organizations and nonprofits have raised awareness of STD and how people can get them, as well as how to treat them. But consumers also need to know that only prescription medications purchased from legitimate pharmacies can treat STD, and to avoid so-called over-the-counter cures as well as prescription medications purchased from questionable sources.
Medications purchased for STD treatment from fake online pharmacies expose patients to the risk of toxic ingredients and ineffective treatment for disease, potentially less than therapeutic doses of antibiotics, or medications that have absolutely no proven therapeutic value for curing disease.
But not only can counterfeit antibiotics and STD cures be found online, they can also be found in stores.
In May 2011 in Texas, dietary supplements with claims of being natural antibiotics were found to have caused extended diseases in the patients who received these over-the-counter substitutes for prescription medication. Antibiotics are often used to cure STDS, but fake antibiotics, whether purchased online or from stores, will not cure them.
Uneducated patients may try to treat STD themselves. Products purchased over-the-counter, or from online resources, can range from oil of oregano, which despite manufacturer claims to the contrary is not a replacement for penicillin, to actual counterfeit penicillin, purchased from a disreputable online medicine seller.
FDA expert Debbie Birnkrant, M.D., warns that trying an unapproved product can just delay treatment, causing further illness and possibly spreading infection to other people.
Dr. Birnkrant says that there are no non-prescription drugs or dietary supplements that can treat, cure or prevent STD. The only non-prescription prevention for sexually transmitted disease is the condom. However it will not cure STD.
“If you aren’t treating your STD with an FDA-approved medication, you’re not just putting your own health at risk—you could be endangering your partner,” says Dr. Birnkrant.
The FDA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) launched the “Fraudulent STD Products Initiative” in May 2011 in order to target over-the-counter products bought online or in retail stores that make claims to prevent, cure and treat STD. Fake STD cures can be marketed as dietary supplements as well as drugs.
The FDA evaluated the 15 STD products identified in the picture and found that the curative claims are unproven and that the use of these products can pose a threat to the public health. It has warned the manufacturers of these products and 17 others that they could face legal action if the products aren't removed the market. These products are being sold online and at some retail markets.
Dr. Marv Shepherd, Director of the Center for Pharmacoeconomic Studies at the University of Texas at Austin's College of Pharmacy, warns that going to a doctor is your best answer for treatment.
“Basically there is no OTC antibiotic treatment available for STD. As stated, a condom is preventative and probably the best prevention method available. People with a suspected STD need to see a medical practitioner and get the correct antibiotic therapy available. The over-the-counter cures available at stores and online will only relieve you of your money. Your disease will continue unabated until you are adequately treated by a medical professional,” admonishes Dr. Shepherd.
Not only will the STD stay with the patient, but inaccurate treatment and delayed medical help can increase the possibility of spreading the disease, warns the FDA.
The FDA has a list of fake STD cures they’ve identified, but reminds that any non-prescription medication that claims to cure STD is also a fake.
The FDA and the CDC warn that patients must avoid over the counter products that claim to cure STD. There are FDA-approved medications available to treat many STD that are available by prescription. Be sure to see a physician if you think you may have a disease that needs treatment.
The CDC has a compendium of common STD, treatments, and related demographic data. Learn more about common STD at their website.