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News
The FDA sent Amazon a warning letter for selling unapproved herpes treatments, calling the products a "serious public health concern." The agency found nine specific products — many labeled as homeopathic — that don't meet drug approval requirements. Patients relying on these ineffective remedies risk severe complications and may unknowingly spread infections to partners.
The FDA is putting Amazon on notice. The agency sent a warning letter to Amazon CEO Andy Jassy on October 1st, flagging nine unapproved herpes treatment products sold on the platform — including creams, sprays, and washes with names like "FemiClear," "HerpCare Ointment," and "RoyceDerm Herpes Relief Cream." The FDA purchased the products in July and confirmed they violate federal drug approval requirements.
Many of the flagged products are marketed as homeopathic, but the FDA clarified that homeopathic labeling doesn't exempt products from drug approval rules — especially when they contain ingredients like lemongrass, which isn't recognized in the Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States. Notably, the FDA has never approved any over-the-counter treatment for any sexually transmitted infection.
Key Takeaways:
Why it matters: As more Americans lose health insurance and turn to major retailers for healthcare needs, the presence of unvetted products on trusted platforms like Amazon poses a real public health risk — particularly for highly prevalent conditions like herpes, which affects millions of Americans.
