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In this section: Buying & Using Medicine Safely

Medication Health Fraud

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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.

Three pill bottles that are labeled "Miracle Cure"

Magnifying Glass held over a pile of pills

Medication Health Fraud Questions and Answers
Learn about medication health fraud and red flags. Search a database of more than 1,000 unapproved products.

Products with Hidden Ingredients

Learn about hidden ingredients—those not listed on the label—and how they can be harmful or fatal, even in products claiming to be “all-natural.” 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

Seated Woman and Man in Wheelchair looking at an image on a laptop screen of a Female with a stethoscope

Medication Health Fraud for Specific Diseases and Conditions
Learn about medication products with 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.

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

A handful of pills on top of a group of 100-dollar bills

What Is FDA Doing About Medication Health Fraud?
Learn how FDA protects consumers and patients.

Counterfeit Medicines
Illicit, counterfeit medicine is fake and may be harmful to your health.

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Report 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.

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