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FDA and FTC STD Supplement Warning: What the 2011 Action Said
The FDA and FTC STD supplement warning came from a 2011 action on online products sold for sexually transmitted infections, including herpes. The agencies said no over-the-counter or online supplement can treat or prevent these infections. We found no action naming Reviralis, and its label mentions no disease.
Written by the Reviralis label deskUpdated · 4 min read
The action01
What was the 2011 FDA and FTC action?
It was a joint step by two agencies against online products sold for sexually transmitted infections (HIV.gov, FDA and FTC Act on Fraudulent HIV and STD Products).
Some of the products were sold for herpes. The message that went with it is the part readers should keep: no over-the-counter or online supplement can treat or prevent a sexually transmitted infection (HIV.gov, FDA and FTC Act on Fraudulent HIV and STD Products).
We read this from a secondary page (HIV.gov), because the original FDA release did not load for us. We quote only what that page states.
The rule behind it02
Why do two agencies care about supplement claims?
Each covers a different part of the problem.
| Agency | Concern | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FDA | A supplement represented for a disease is a drug | (FDA, Questions and Answers on Dietary Supplements) |
| FTC | Health claims in ads must be truthful, and benefits can be implied | (FTC, Health Products Compliance Guidance) |
The two together explain why selling a capsule for an infection is a legal problem, not just a poor claim.
The facts03
What is the proven care for herpes?
Herpes has no cure. Prescription antivirals are the proven care (CDC, About Genital Herpes).
Acyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir shorten outbreaks, and daily suppression lowers recurrences and partner transmission. The CDC pages also cover condoms and partner safety. Sores near the eye, or fever with a stiff neck, are emergencies. Our post on how antivirals work has more.
- Painful sores near the eyesHerpes in or near the eye can harm sight. Get care the same day.
- A first outbreak, or sores you are unsure aboutA clinician can confirm what it is and talk about antivirals and partner safety.
- Sores that do not heal in 2 to 3 weeksOr frequent outbreaks. Ask about daily suppression.
- A weakened immune systemOutbreaks can be longer or more severe. Tell your clinician about any outbreak.
- Fever, stiff neck, severe headache or confusionCall 911 or go to an emergency room.
- Pregnant, or a new baby with sores or feverCall a clinician or emergency care right away.
From the CDC and Mayo Clinic (CDC, About Genital Herpes) (CDC, STI Treatment Guidelines: Herpes) (Mayo Clinic, Cold Sore Symptoms and Causes). This list is not complete, and a supplement is never a reason to wait.
Reviralis: from $49 a bottle60 capsules a bottle · 2, 3 or 6 bottles · free US shipping on 3 and 6 · 60-day money-back guarantee
See packsApplied04
Does the action apply to Reviralis?
We found no action naming Reviralis, and we are not saying the product breaks any rule.
The label never mentions herpes, outbreaks or flare-ups. The sales page does use outbreak and flare-up wording, which we quote and do not repeat as fact (Reviralis sales page). Reviralis is not an antiviral, and no source we found shows that it prevents or reduces outbreaks. Read how wording can imply a disease in our post on outbreak wording.
Judge any such product by its claims and evidence. Our is it legit page does that for Reviralis.
What to do05
What should you do if a product promises to treat an infection?
Do not rely on it. See a clinician.
- Keep any prescribed antiviral. Never stop it for a supplement.
- Report a reaction to FDA MedWatch (FDA, MedWatch).
- Save the ad and the order record in case you need them.
Testing, partners and treatment are questions for a clinician. The guides cover herpes basics in plain language.
FAQ06
Reviralis questions people ask
What did the FDA and FTC say in 2011 about STD supplements?
They acted against online products sold for sexually transmitted infections and said no over-the-counter or online supplement can treat or prevent these infections. We read this through HIV.gov, since the original release did not load.
Has the FDA acted against Reviralis?
We found no FDA or FTC action naming Reviralis. That is not an endorsement. We also found no source showing it prevents or reduces outbreaks, and its label mentions no disease.
Can a supplement treat an STD?
No supplement has been shown to treat or prevent herpes. Herpes has no cure, and prescription antivirals are the proven care. Ask a clinician about testing and treatment for any sexually transmitted infection.
Where do I report a supplement problem?
Report unwanted effects to FDA MedWatch and tell your clinician. Keep the bottle, lot number and receipt. Misleading marketing can also be reported to the FTC.
Why does the FTC care about supplement ads?
The FTC requires health claims in ads to be truthful and backed by evidence, and it looks at implied claims too. Honest testimonials do not make a claim true.
Who wrote this07
Written and reviewed by
Pages built from the label, the order page and linked NIH, FDA, FTC, Mayo Clinic and peer-reviewed sources.
Last updated . Read our editorial standards and how we check reviews. This website is the information site for a USA Authorized Reviralis Retailer. It is not the manufacturer or the distributor named on the label. We earn money when you buy through our order links.
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