FDA will investigate false celebrity medication promotions

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be given a directive by the Department of Health (DOH) to investigate the rise of phony celebrity endorsements of unapproved medications and dietary supplements online.

“I’ve seen this (on) social media. Many of my doctor friends who are popular... have been victimized for a drug that they did not endorse... This is under the realm of the FDA, a regulatory agency with police powers,” Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said in a press briefing yesterday at Malacañang.

Prior to this, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada demanded that the Senate look into the issue of phony celebrity endorsements of internet health items that purport to treat conditions including diabetes, hypertension, and physical discomfort.

Sam Zacate, the director of the FDA, will work with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to look into examples of false ads on social media. As smuggled medications are illegal and may be seized or closed, consumers should make sure that their drugs are FDA-approved.

Initial readings indicate that Monday was the hottest day on record for the whole planet.