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Consumer Health Digest Archive (2024)

Consumer Health Digest is a free weekly e-mail newsletter edited by William M. London, Ed.D., M.P.H., with help from Stephen Barrett, M.D., It summarizes scientific reports; legislative developments; enforcement actions; other news items; Web site evaluations; recommended and nonrecommended books; research tips; and other information relevant to consumer protection and consumer decision-making. The Digest’s primary focus is on health, but occasionally it includes non-health scams and practical tips. Items posted to this archive may be updated when relevant information becomes available. To subscribe, click here. Issue #24-16, April 21, 2024 Experts detail healthy eating patterns KFF spotlights shortage of primary-care doctors FDA warns ammonia inhalant marketer about drug violations Two-day MLM conference open for free registration Issue #24-15, April 14, 2024 Lyme disease: Fact vs …

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Consumer Health Digest is a free weekly e-mail newsletter edited by William M. London, Ed.D., M.P.H., with help from Stephen Barrett, M.D., It summarizes scientific reports; legislative developments; enforcement actions; other news items; Web site evaluations; recommended and nonrecommended books; research tips; and other information relevant to consumer protection and consumer decision-making. The Digest’s primary focus is on health, but occasionally it includes non-health scams and practical tips. Items posted to this archive may be updated when relevant information becomes available. To subscribe, click here.

Issue #24-16, April 21, 2024

  • Experts detail healthy eating patterns
  • KFF spotlights shortage of primary-care doctors
  • FDA warns ammonia inhalant marketer about drug violations
  • Two-day MLM conference open for free registration

Issue #24-15, April 14, 2024

  • Lyme disease: Fact vs fiction
  • NHS releases comprehensive review of gender identity care for youth

Issue #24-14, April 7, 2024

  • Complaint filed against physician promoting “holistic” cancer treatments
  • Tainted red yeast rice supplements linked to serious complications
  • Medical debt linked to worse population health in the U.S.
  • Food myths debunked

Issue #24-13, March 31, 2024

  • FDA warns about pain-relief products containing excessive drug doses
  • Researchers raise doubts about CBD products promoted for pain relief
  • FDA criticized  for settling lawsuit by ivermectin-misinformation promoters
  • Lawsuit alleges Women’s Cancer Fund is sham charity

Issue #24-12, March 24, 2024

  • Sham health insurance seller Benefytt Technologies must refund $100 million
  • Investigation spotlights misleading videos discouraging hormonal contraception
  • Doctor in Australia banned from offering naturopathic treatments

Issue #24-11, March 17, 2024

  • Shocking report highlights deficiencies of U.S. state medical boards
  • Marketer of Nature’s Bounty and Sundown supplements ordered to pay back consumers
  • Patanjali Ayurved advertising temporarily banned in India
  • Ice bathing offers evidence of harm but not benefit
  • JAMA offers concise patient guide to injectable weight-loss medications

Issue #24-10, March 10, 2024

  • Doctor who performed fatal Brazilian butt lift sued for misrepresenting his qualifications
  • Researchers highlight deaths of U.S. citizens undergoing cosmetic surgery in the Dominican Republic
  • AMA spotlights differences in training between physicians and naturopaths

Issue #24-09, March 3, 2024

  • Multilevel marketing companies commonly misrepresent distributor earnings
  • Dubious canine cancer-drug marketer receives 97-month prison sentence
  • Polish Health Ministry responds to advocates of dubious Lyme disease care
  • “Leaky gut syndrome” not medically recognized

Issue #24-08, February 25, 2024

  • Galantamine supplements found to be inaccurately labeled
  • NewsGuard identifies over 300 false vaccine-related internet narratives
  • Promoting COVID-19 misinformation found to be lucrative for four nonprofits

Issue #24-07, February 18, 2024

  • Sham insurance sellers face $195 million judgment and permanent marketing ban
  • Physician assistant convicted of amniotic-fluid fraud
  • COVID Resist marketers ordered to stop deceptive advertising
  • TINA.org questions Talkiatry’s advertised patient cost

Issue #24-06, February 11, 2024

  • Publisher retracts abortion pill studies
  • Naprapathy scrutinized
  • Obesity researcher discourages dietary supplementation for weight loss
  • Neptune’s Fix recalling tianeptine products

Issue #23-05, February 4, 2024

  • Leader of America’s Frontline Doctors reprimanded for Jan. 6 participation
  • Ontario Tribunal revokes misinformation-promoting physician’s registration
  • NZ radiologist will be penalized for peddling COVID-19 misinformation
  • GAO criticizes prenatal supplements
  • AP spotlights Medbed nonsense promoted to conspiracy believers

Issue #24-04, January 29, 2024

  • Early estimates of in-hospital deaths related to hydroxychloroquine treatment for COVID-19 now available.
  • Most direct-to-consumer medical tests advertised online found not useful
  • Funeral homes warned for failing to provide accurate pricing information
  • Mindfulness meditation appears to show little benefit
  • Online undergraduate health course promotes rational skepticism

Issue #24-03, January 22, 2024

  • Midwife faces unprecedented fine for substituting homeopathic pellets for children’s vaccines.
  • Retraction Watch highlights new tactics being used to publish fake scientific papers.
  • FDA authorizes Florida to initiate process for importing certain drugs from Canada.

Issue #24-02, January 14, 2024

  • Restrictions placed on medical license of egregious promoter of COVID-19 disinformation
  • Researchers warn of hazards of inadequately regulated dietary supplements
  • FDA warns about complications of unapproved fat-dissolving injections

Issue #24-01, January 7, 2024

  • Experts refute Florida Surgeon General’s COVID-19 mRNA vaccine alarmism
  • ‘Skeptical Inquirer scrutinizes evidence for brain-training interventions
  • FDA identifies toxic, misbranded tejocote-root supplements
  • FDA warns about tainted arthritis and pain products
  • Physiologist comments on health fads promoted during the holidays

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Consumer Health Digest, Issue #24-16

Experts detail healthy eating patterns. KFF spotlights shortage of primary-care doctors. FDA warns ammonia inhalant marketer about drug violations. Two-day MLM conference open for free registration. Experts detail healthy eating patterns. Nutrition experts affiliated with the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in the Louisiana State University System, Rutgers University, and the Rutgers–Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine have provided an overview of energy and macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) needed to minimize risks of chronic disease. They also suggest using an online calculator that outlines calorie needs based on a patient’s gender, age, weight, height, physical activity level, and pregnancy or lactation status. Modifications may be needed for patients with underlying health conditions. The calculator also gives intake recommendations for other macronutrients, total fiber, fatty acids, …

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  • Experts detail healthy eating patterns.
  • KFF spotlights shortage of primary-care doctors.
  • FDA warns ammonia inhalant marketer about drug violations.
  • Two-day MLM conference open for free registration.

Experts detail healthy eating patterns. Nutrition experts affiliated with the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in the Louisiana State University System, Rutgers University, and the Rutgers–Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine have provided an overview of energy and macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) needed to minimize risks of chronic disease. They also suggest using an online calculator that outlines calorie needs based on a patient’s gender, age, weight, height, physical activity level, and pregnancy or lactation status. Modifications may be needed for patients with underlying health conditions. The calculator also gives intake recommendations for other macronutrients, total fiber, fatty acids, cholesterol, and water. The article gives this advice:

  • Healthy food intake patterns consistent with macronutrient Dietary Reference Intakes should be recommended for patients older than one year.
  • The core elements of healthy food patterns include vegetables of all types, fruits (especially whole fruits), grains (at least half of which are whole grains), dairy (e.g., fat-free or low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese), protein foods (e.g., lean meats and eggs, seafood, beans, and nuts), and oils (e.g., plant and seafood oils). Healthy food intake patterns associated with relatively low all-cause mortality are also low in red and processed meat, high-fat dairy, and refined carbohydrates or sweets.
  • The Consumer Resources page connects to worksheets and other practical materials for healthful eating.
  • MyPlate, published by the USDA, presents a useful visualization that includes the five food groups (fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy), along with healthy recipes and their energy and macronutrient content.
  • The Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges for adults are 10–35% for proteins, 20–35% for fats, and 45–65% for carbohydrates. Available evidence is limited or insufficient with regard to disease-prevention effects of dietary carbohydrate levels below the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range.
  • The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020–2025, addressed the question of alcoholic beverages as part of healthy food patterns. Alcoholic beverages can contribute to total daily calorie intake (ethanol is 7 kcal/g). The dietary guidelines state drinking less is better for health than drinking more. Adults of legal drinking age can choose to drink in moderation by limiting intake to two drinks or fewer in a day for men and one drink or fewer in a day for women. Some adults, including pregnant women, should not drink any alcohol.
  • Meet macronutrient needs with nutrient-dense foods and beverages that provide health-promoting components that have little or no added sugars or saturated fat.
  • Keep saturated fat intake at less than 10% of total calorie intake starting at two years of age.
  • Keep added sugar at less than 10% of total calorie intake starting at two years of age and avoid foods and beverages with added sugars for children who are under two years of age.
  • Maintain healthy fiber and water intakes as outlined in the Dietary Reference Intakes.
  • Use Nutrition Facts labels to monitor calorie and macronutrient contents of purchased foods

[Heymsfield SB, Shapses SA. Guidance on energy and macronutrients across the life span. The New England Journal of Medicine 390:1299-1310, 2024]

KFF spotlights shortage of primary-care doctors. A series of investigative reports by KFF Health News reveals how primary care in the U.S. has been disrupted and what this means for patients. In a video primer, “How Primary Care Is Being Disrupted,” senior correspondent Julie Appleby notes:

  • More than 100 million Americans lack regular access to primary care, a number that has nearly doubled since 2014. Yet demand for primary care is up, spurred partly by record enrollment in Affordable Care Act
  • The U.S. is investing in primary care far less than other high-income countries and has a smaller percentage of primary-care physicians than most of its European counterparts.
  • Only about one-third of physicians in the U.S. are primary-care doctors.
  • It’s often hard to find a doctor and make an appointment that is not weeks or even months away.
  • In 1980, 62% of doctor’s visits for adults 65 and older were for primary care and 38% were for specialists. By 2013, that ratio had exactly flipped.
  • Too few medical students are opting for primary care, in part because they are paid less than specialists.
  • Some doctors now in practice say they’re burned out.
  • Many doctors are retiring or selling their practices.
  • Hospitals, insurers, corporate giants such as Amazon, and private equity firms are on a buying spree, snapping up primary-care practices.
  • About 48% of primary-care physicians currently work in practices they do not own.
  • Some younger patients are ditching traditional primary care, opting instead for MinuteClinics or other quick and more convenient options such as telemedicine.
  • If patients aren’t seeing the same doctor on a regular basis, there’s a risk concerning health patterns may be overlooked.

FDA warns ammonia inhalant marketer about drug violations. After reviewing the social media accounts of Skull Smash LLC, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned the company its “Skull Smash® Ammonia Inhalants,” “Badass Bitch,” “Double Barrel Ammonia Inhalant,” and “Silver Bullet Ammonia Inhalants” are unapproved new drugs marketed in violation of the Federal Food Drug & Cosmetic Act. [Skull Smash. TruthInAdvertising.org Ad Alert, March 28, 2024] Questionable statements made on the Skull Smash website have included:

  • “Smelling salts are common in strength sports to help mentally stimulate and ‘psych up’ the lifter on competition day or in training to give them a boost on their competitive lifts. They are also popular in combat contact and team sports to increase alertness and focus.”
  • “Increased levels of alertness”
  • “Elevated levels of focus”
  • “Instantaneous boost of power and energy in competitive strength sports”

Two-day MLM conference open for free registration.  The College of New Jersey School of Business is sponsoring its fourth annual conference on Multilevel Marketing: The Consumer Protection Challenge on Thursday, May 2 and Friday, May 3. This virtual conference brings together expertise from regulators, prosecutors former MLM distributors, social media consumer advocates, researchers, educators, and journalists to discuss ways to improve consumer protection and reduce consumer harm within the multilevel marketing (MLM) industry. Both sessions begin at 9:30 AM EDT. The conference is free, but registration is required. Videos of the previous three conferences are posted to the conference website.

Consumer Health Digest is a free weekly e-mail newsletter edited by William M. London, Ed.D., M.P.H., with help from Stephen Barrett, M.D., It summarizes scientific reports; legislative developments; enforcement actions; other news items; Web site evaluations; recommended and nonrecommended books; research tips; and other information relevant to consumer protection and consumer decision-making. The Digest’s primary focus is on health, but occasionally it includes non-health scams and practical tips. Items posted to this archive may be updated when relevant information becomes available. To subscribe, click here.


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Gallery of Chiropractic Ads and Other Promotional Materials

This gallery illustrates how chiropractors promoted themselves before the development of the Internet. I collected most of the newspaper ads from local papers, but some were mailed to me from other areas. Where many ads were placed by an individual chiropractor, I have grouped them into individual files. Before 1980, nearly all of the marketers promoted subluxation-based philosophy and suggested that chiropractic’s scope was unlimited. After that time, these ideas persisted but gradually became less prominent. A 13-city study published in a chiropractic journal found that of 5,456 chiropractors listed in the yellow pages during 1985 and 1986, 14.7% bought additional space in the regular listing section, 11.6% purchased large display advertisements, and 73.7% listed only their name and phone number. Of those who bought …

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This gallery illustrates how chiropractors promoted themselves before the development of the Internet. I collected most of the newspaper ads from local papers, but some were mailed to me from other areas. Where many ads were placed by an individual chiropractor, I have grouped them into individual files. Before 1980, nearly all of the marketers promoted subluxation-based philosophy and suggested that chiropractic’s scope was unlimited. After that time, these ideas persisted but gradually became less prominent.

A 13-city study published in a chiropractic journal found that of 5,456 chiropractors listed in the yellow pages during 1985 and 1986, 14.7% bought additional space in the regular listing section, 11.6% purchased large display advertisements, and 73.7% listed only their name and phone number. Of those who bought additional space, 10.8% advertised techniques, 11.6% mentioned symptoms, 14.7% mentioned injuries, 3% mentioned professional affiliations, and 4% offered free services. Since the late 1970s, I have collected more than 1,100 yellow-page display ads but have not done a statistical analysis.

In 1987, the American Chiropractic Association noted that advertising claims had been “getting worse and worse” and urged chiropractors to “stop the garbage yellow page ads” that contained coupons, offered free spinal x-rays, promised that there would no out-of pocket expense, or made exaggerated and unprofessional claims.

Inclusion in this gallery should not be interpreted as an assertion that all of the items were misleading. Most were, but some were not. My intention in posting them is simply to illustrate what I happened to collect. To place the items in perspective, please see the commentary articles listed below and other Chirobase pages that discuss the types of promotional claims that were used.

Early Promotional Materials
Pennsylvania Ads and Fliers from the Late 1960s and Early 1970s
Pamphlets and other Handouts
Booklets
Newspaper Ads and Mailers from the Mid-1970s through the Mid-1990s
“Turn on health” bumper sticker from the 1980s
Yellow Page Ads
Product Catalogs
  • Chiro-Zyme (1995) (“enzyne products targeted to organs stressed by subluxations”))
Other Promotional Materials
American Chiropractic Association Public Relations Materials
Internet Claims
Other Noteworthy Ads
Advertising Regulation

Consumer Health Digest, Issue #24-15

Lyme disease: Fact vs fiction. NHS releases comprehensive review of gender identity care for youth. Lyme disease: Fact vs fiction. Andrea Love, Ph.D. (immunology and biology), Executive Director of the American Lyme Disease Foundation, has launched an online “Inside Immunology” column at Skeptical Inquirer. Her first column, which  provides an overview of Lyme disease issues for consumers, discusses: the risk of infection with the bacteria that cause the disease factors influencing whether a tick bite will lead to infection symptoms of localized disease the small risk of disease spreading beyond the skin effective treatments diagnostic issues fraudulent tests and unproven, dangerous, and expensive long-term treatments ordered by self-proclaimed Lyme specialists including those who call themselves “Lyme literate” overdiagnosis promoted by celebrities aligned with prominent activist organizations that purport to …

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  • Lyme disease: Fact vs fiction.
  • NHS releases comprehensive review of gender identity care for youth.

Lyme disease: Fact vs fiction. Andrea Love, Ph.D. (immunology and biology), Executive Director of the American Lyme Disease Foundation, has launched an online “Inside Immunology” column at Skeptical Inquirer. Her first column, which  provides an overview of Lyme disease issues for consumers, discusses:

She concludes:

Lyme pseudoscience causes immense harm to individuals who [undergo] harmful and unproven treatments based on false information. It also erodes public health and trust in science, and it can lead people to delay care for medical conditions that are falsely attributed to Lyme. We have a duty to combat this type of predatory pseudoscience, even if it has a loud voice.

[Love A. Why Is Lyme disease, an acute bacterial infection, plagued with misinformation? A convergence of misunderstanding, bad actors, media attention, and fear-based messaging. Skeptical Inquirer, April 11, 2024]

NHS releases comprehensive review of gender identity care for youth. England’s National Health Service (NHS) has released the final report of The Cass Review: Independent Review of Gender Identity Services for Children and Young People. The report’s purpose is to improve services for children and young people experiencing gender-identity-related distress. The report concludes:

  • There is no simple explanation for the increase in the numbers of predominantly young people and young adults who have a trans- or gender-diverse identity, but there is broad agreement it is a result of a complex interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors.
  • There are conflicting views about the clinical approach, with expectations of care at times being far from usual clinical practice.
  • While much research has been published in this field, systematic evidence reviews demonstrate the poor quality of the published studies, meaning there is not a reliable evidence base upon which to make clinical decisions, or for children and their families to make informed choices.
  • The strengths and weaknesses of the evidence base on the care of children and young people are often misrepresented and overstated, both in scientific publications and social debate.
  • The controversy surrounding the use of medical treatments has taken focus away from what the individualized care and treatment is intended to achieve for individuals seeking support from NHS gender services.
  • The rationale for early puberty suppression remains unclear, with weak evidence regarding the impact on gender dysphoria, mental, or psychosocial health. The effect on cognitive and psychosexual development remains unknown.
  • The use of masculinizing/feminizing hormones in those under the age of 18 also presents many unknowns, despite their longstanding use in the adult transgender population. The lack of long-term follow-up data on those commencing treatment at an earlier age means we have inadequate information about the range of outcomes for this group.
  • Clinicians are unable to determine with any certainty which children and young people will go on to have an enduring trans identity.
  • For most young people, a medical pathway will not be the best way to manage their gender-related distress. For those for whom a medical pathway is clinically indicated, it is not enough to provide this without also addressing wider mental health and/or psychosocially challenging problems.
  • Innovation is important if medicine is to move forward, but there must be a proportionate level of monitoring, oversight and regulation that does not stifle progress while preventing creep of unproven approaches into clinical practice. Innovation must draw from and contribute to the evidence base.

The report’s recommendations include:

  • Children/young people referred to NHS gender services must receive a holistic assessment of their needs to inform an individualized care plan. This should include screening for neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism spectrum disorder, and a mental health assessment.
  • Standard evidence-based psychological and psychopharmacological treatment approaches should be used to support the management of the associated distress from gender incongruence and co-occurring conditions, including support for parents/caregivers and siblings, as appropriate.
  • Services should establish a separate pathway for pre-pubertal children and their families, ensuring they are prioritized for early discussion about how parents can best support their child in a balanced and non-judgmental way. When decisions are made about social transition of pre-pubertal children, services should ensure they can be seen as early as possible by a clinical professional with relevant experience.
  • There needs to be provision for people who wish to stop or reverse their transition.
  • A full program of research should be established to look at the characteristics, interventions and outcomes of every young person presenting to the NHS gender services.
  • The option to provide masculinizing/feminizing hormones from age 16 is available, but the Review recommends extreme caution. There should be a clear clinical rationale for providing hormones at this stage rather than waiting until an individual reaches 18.
  • The puberty-blocker trial previously announced by NHS England should be part of a program of research that also evaluates outcomes of psychosocial interventions and masculinizing/feminizing hormones.

[The Cass Review. Independent review of gender identity services for children and young people: Final report, April 2024]


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Disciplinary Action against Dr. Meryl J. Nass

Meryl Jae Nass, M.D., who practiced internal medicine in Ellsworth, Maine, has been disciplined  by the Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine. In January 2022, the board issued two orders, one directing her to undergo a neuropsychological examination [1] and the other suspending her license to practice for 30 days pending a full hearing [2]. Both orders indicate that the board had received complaints that she was spreading misinformation about COVID-19 and had inappropriately prescribed invermectin and/or hydroxychloroquine to patients she diagnosed with COVID-19.  A hearing notice dated September 30, 2022 indicates that the board was concerned with the quality of her care, the adequacy of her patient records, and her honesty as evidenced by her care of three patients. The notice also indicates that Nass did not cooperate with some of the …

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Meryl Jae Nass, M.D., who practiced internal medicine in Ellsworth, Maine, has been disciplined  by the Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine. In January 2022, the board issued two orders, one directing her to undergo a neuropsychological examination [1] and the other suspending her license to practice for 30 days pending a full hearing [2]. Both orders indicate that the board had received complaints that she was spreading misinformation about COVID-19 and had inappropriately prescribed invermectin and/or hydroxychloroquine to patients she diagnosed with COVID-19. 

A hearing notice dated September 30, 2022 indicates that the board was concerned with the quality of her care, the adequacy of her patient records, and her honesty as evidenced by her care of three patients. The notice also indicates that Nass did not cooperate with some of the board’s investigative requests [3].

In December 2023, after several hearings, the board extended the suspension and placed Nass on probation for two years Bit it but said the suspension could be lifted if she fully complies with the probationary terms, which included the use of a practice monitor. The board also ordered her to pay $10,000—approximately half the cost of the board proceedings [4].

The December 2023 order provides detailed descriptions of her management of the three patients.The charges related to public misinformation have been dropped.

In October 2023, Nass filed suit in federal court against the Main Board of Licensure and its members. The suit alleged that the board was infringing on her freedom of speech and had unfairly conducted its case against her [5]. The board replied that it has followed proper procedures and that state and federal laws protected its individual board members from liability [6]. The court has not yet ruled on these motions.

References
  1. Order directing evaluation. In Re: Meryl J. Nass, M.D. Maine Board oif Licensure in Medicine, Jan 11, 2022.
  2. Order of immediate suspension. In Re: Meryl J. Nass, M.D. Maine Board oif Licensure in Medicine, Jan 12, 2022.
  3. Third amended notice of hearing. In Re: Meryl J. Nass, M.D. Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine, Sept 30, 2022.
  4. Decision and order. In Re: Meryl J. Nass, M.D. Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine. Dec 12, 2023.
  5. Complaint. Meryl J. Nass, M.D. v. Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine, U.S. District Court for the District of Maine.Case 1:23-cv-0032, filed Aug 16, 2023.
  6. Defendants’ motion to dismiss. Meryl J. Nass, M.D. v. Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine. U.S. District Court for the District of Maine.Case 1:23-cv-0032, filed Oct 18, 2023.
  7. Plaintiffs’ opposition to motion to dismiss. Meryl J. Nass, M.D. v. Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine. U.S. District Court for the District of Maine.Case 1:23-cv-0032, filed Nov 8, 2023.

Consumer Health Digest, Issue #24-14

Complaint filed against physician promoting “holistic” cancer treatments. Tainted red yeast rice supplements linked to serious complications. Medical debt linked to worse population health in the U.S. Food myths debunked. Complaint filed against physician promoting “holistic” cancer treatments. On May 11, 2023, the Indiana Attorney General’s office submitted a complaint to the Indiana Medical Licensing Board accusing Clifford W. Fetters, M.D., of false and misleading advertising, failing to inform patients of side effects of tests and treatments, and not providing a patient with a truthful account of her condition. The state reportedly started receiving complaints from patients’ families starting in 2017. [Kenney K. “I’d like to see him lose his license”: Widowed man hopeful as state files complaint against Carmel doctor. WRTV Indianapolis, March 7, …

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  • Complaint filed against physician promoting “holistic” cancer treatments.
  • Tainted red yeast rice supplements linked to serious complications.
  • Medical debt linked to worse population health in the U.S.
  • Food myths debunked.

Complaint filed against physician promoting “holistic” cancer treatments. On May 11, 2023, the Indiana Attorney General’s office submitted a complaint to the Indiana Medical Licensing Board accusing Clifford W. Fetters, M.D., of false and misleading advertising, failing to inform patients of side effects of tests and treatments, and not providing a patient with a truthful account of her condition. The state reportedly started receiving complaints from patients’ families starting in 2017. [Kenney K. “I’d like to see him lose his license”: Widowed man hopeful as state files complaint against Carmel doctor. WRTV Indianapolis, March 7, 2024] The complaint stated:

  • Fetters started Health and Wellness of Carmel (“H&W”) in 2006, owns it, and practices medicine there.
  • H&W provides holistic medical care for children and adults, offering “Alternative Cancer Treatments,” IV Nutritional Therapy, Integrative Medical Services, Health and Wellness Management, and Aesthetic Services.
  • “Alternative cancer treatments” at H&W include holistic cancer treatments, personalized cancer testing, tests for circulating tumor cells, RGCC cancer sensitivity tests, far infrared heat sauna, immune support therapy, supportive oligonucleotide technique (“SOT”), PrimeSPOT, sono- and photo-dynamic therapy, and Vaxo-Q-Re.
  • In May 2022, H&W began advertising:
    • “through the use of holistic cancer treatment, [H&W] can effectively boost the immune system of [their] patients, as well as eliminate toxins in their body”
    • several options for IV therapy for cancer treatment that include vitamin C, vitamin K3, IV ozone therapy, and hyperthermia
    • ozone has “many therapeutic properties” and “[c]an be used as part of a therapeutic plan for almost every disease,” including cancer
    • vitamin C “may work in killing cancer (chemotherapeutic action)” by “increased production of hydrogen peroxide production (prooxidant), anti-angiogenesis (stop the blood supply that feeds cancer), immune system support (interferon, interleukin, etc.), and anti-inflammatory.”
  • According to the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21: (a) “Ozone is a toxic gas with no known useful medical application in specific, adjunctive, or preventive therapy,” and (b) “A number of devices currently on the market generate ozone by design or as a byproduct. Since exposure to ozone above a certain concentration can be injurious to health, any such device will be considered adulterated and/or misbranded.”
  • Fetters authored a blog on the H&W website claiming IV therapy helps treat cancer.
  • Fetters engaged in misconduct in the treatment of four patients with a variety of treatments. Two of the patients died.
  • Fetters advertised tests and treatments not supported by current professional theory or practice and not indicated for specific patients.
  • Fetters failed to inform a patient of side effects of treatment offered.
  • Fetters failed to give a patient a truthful and candid account of her condition.
  • On July 23, 2021, the Indiana Medical Review Panel determined that the evidence supported the conclusion that Fetters failed to meet the applicable standard of care.

Tainted red yeast rice supplements linked to serious complications. Kobayashi Pharmaceutical’s beni kōji red yeast rice supplements have been linked to at least five deaths, 188 hospitalizations, and 1,058 doctor visits. The sicknesses have included kidney failure. Eleven people in Taiwan have reported feeling ill after consuming the supplements. The company has received around 40,000 inquiries from consumers. The cause of the illnesses has not been confirmed, but it is likely a potentially harmful substance derived from blue mold that entered the supplements during the manufacturing process in a batch of products made at the company’s Osaka factory. [Inoue Y. Kobayashi Pharma’s wide supply chain complicates search for tainted products. The Japan Times, April 4, 2024] The first report of illness linked to the supplement came in mid-January but the company didn’t issue a voluntary recall until March 22. [Kageyama Y. Japanese officials inspect 2 factories making health supplements linked to 5 deaths. Associated Press, March 30, 2024] The supplements were promoted for lowering blood cholesterol levels. According to the Mayo Clinic, while red yeast rice can lower cholesterol as statin drug products do, there’s less assurance regarding quality and how much active ingredient is actually in the product.

Medical debt linked to worse population health in the U.S. American Cancer Society researchers have found “consistent associations between medical debt and worse population health across multiple measures, including self-reported unhealthy days, years of life lost due to premature death, and. . . mortality rates.” Their analysis was based on nationwide medical-debt data for U.S. counties from the Urban Institute Debt in America project and health surveillance data from the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps compiled by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. Data for a total of 2,943 counties—93% of all U.S. counties—were included in their analysis. The primary measure of medical debt for each county was the percentage of people with a credit bureau record who have any medical debt in collections. The secondary county measure was the median amount of medical debt among people with any medical debt in collections. [Han X, and others. Associations of medical debt with health status, premature death, and mortality in the US. JAMA Network Open 7(3):e2354766, March 4, 2024]

In a commentary about the study, physicians with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and the University of Washington, Seattle, concluded:

Surely, everyone can agree that a consequence of accessing health care should not be worse health. For those who incur medical debt, this unfortunately appears to be their reality. The authors’ findings suggest that investing resources into debt prevention and mitigation may ultimately conserve downstream medical costs by improving population-level health. This is a key implication of the study. Our collective action today to address unsustainable debt may pay off substantial dividends in the future with dollars and lives saved. [Su CT, Ramsey SD. Medical debt—An iatrogenic epidemic with mortal consequences. JAMA Network Open 7(3):e2354707, March 4, 2024]

Another recent article describes the struggles of people in the southwestern Denver neighborhood of Westwood. This area has some of the highest levels of medical debt in Colorado where more than 20% of adults have historically had unpaid medical bills on their credit reports. [Bichell RE, Toomer L. Medical debt affects much of America, but Colorado immigrants are hit especially hard. KFF Health News, April 3, 2024]

Food myths debunked. In Does Coffee Cause Cancer? And 8 More Myths about the Food We Eat (ECW Press, 2023), Dr. Christopher Labos, a health columnist, podcaster, Montreal resident, and cardiologist with a master’s degree in epidemiology, discusses how sloppy science perpetuates popular misconceptions about food. In his book, the author discusses, among other things, whether vitamin C prevents the common cold, whether hot dogs are as bad as cigarettes, and whether red wine is good for your heart. A recording of Dr. Labos’s Skeptical Inquirer Presents talk on April 4, 2024 is also available.

Consumer Health Digest is a free weekly e-mail newsletter edited by William M. London, Ed.D., M.P.H., with help from Stephen Barrett, M.D., It summarizes scientific reports; legislative developments; enforcement actions; other news items; Web site evaluations; recommended and nonrecommended books; research tips; and other information relevant to consumer protection and consumer decision-making. The Digest’s primary focus is on health, but occasionally it includes non-health scams and practical tips. Items posted to this archive may be updated when relevant information becomes available. To subscribe, click here.


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Consumer Health Digest, Issue #24-13

FDA warns about pain-relief products containing excessive drug doses. Researchers raise doubts about CBD products promoted for pain relief. FDA criticized for settling lawsuit by ivermectin-misinformation promoters. Lawsuit alleges Women’s Cancer Fund is sham charity. FDA warns about pain-relief products containing excessive drug doses. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers not to use certain over-the-counter analgesic (pain relief) products marketed for use on the skin to relieve pain before, during, or after cosmetic procedures such as microdermabrasion, laser hair removal, tattooing and piercing. [FDA warns consumers to avoid certain topical pain relief products due to potential for dangerous health effects. FDA news release, March 26, 2024] Some of these products are labeled to contain ingredients such as lidocaine at concentrations higher …

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  • FDA warns about pain-relief products containing excessive drug doses.
  • Researchers raise doubts about CBD products promoted for pain relief.
  • FDA criticized for settling lawsuit by ivermectin-misinformation promoters.
  • Lawsuit alleges Women’s Cancer Fund is sham charity.

FDA warns about pain-relief products containing excessive drug doses. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers not to use certain over-the-counter analgesic (pain relief) products marketed for use on the skin to relieve pain before, during, or after cosmetic procedures such as microdermabrasion, laser hair removal, tattooing and piercing. [FDA warns consumers to avoid certain topical pain relief products due to potential for dangerous health effects. FDA news release, March 26, 2024] Some of these products are labeled to contain ingredients such as lidocaine at concentrations higher than what is permitted for over-the-counter, topical pain-relief products. The FDA is aware of reports of adverse events related to these products. When these products are applied in ways that could lead to increased absorption through the skin, they can result in serious injury such as irregular heartbeat, seizures, and breathing difficulties. These products may also interact with medications or dietary supplements a consumer is taking. The FDA has issued warning letters for marketing these products in violation of federal law to six companies:

The FDA has warned consumers about similar products over the past decade. It recommends against:

  • using over-the-counter (OTC) pain-relief products with more than 4% lidocaine on the skin
  • applying OTC pain-relief products heavily over large areas of skin or to irritated or broken skin
  • wrapping skin treated with OTC pain-relief products with plastic wrap or other dressings, which can increase the chance of serious side effects

Researchers raise doubts about CBD products promoted for pain relief. Based on their literature review of cannabidiol (CBD) products’ purity, harmful effects, and effectiveness, researchers from the U.K. and the University of Alberta have concluded: “For people living with pain, the evidence for CBD or hemp extract shows it is expensive, does not work, and is possibly harmful.” [Moore A, and others. Cannabidiol (CBD) products for pain: Ineffective, expensive, and with potential harms. The Journal of Pain, 25(4):833-842, 2024] Their key findings were:

  • CBD products have varying amounts of CBD, from none to much more than advertised.
  • CBD products may contain other chemicals that may be harmful.
  • Out of 16 randomized clinical trials for pain using pharmaceutical CBD in oral, buccal/sublingual, and topical forms, 15 found no greater pain-relieving effect for CBD than for placebo.
  • Meta-analyses link CBD to increased rates of serious adverse events and liver toxicity.

FDA criticized for settling lawsuit by ivermectin-misinformation promoters. Business columnist Michael Hiltzik has criticized the FDA for settling a lawsuit brought by three physicians in 2022 claiming the FDA’s advisories improperly discouraged the use of the anti-parasite drug ivermectin for treating or preventing COVID-19. [Hiltzik M. FDA shoots itself in the foot by settling a groundless lawsuit over its ivermectin warnings. Los Angeles Times, March 26, 2024] The agency settled the case by agreeing to delete three social media posts and a consumer advisory titled “Why You Should Not Use Ivermectin to Treat or Prevent COVID-19.” A federal judge in Texas had thrown out their case, but the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated it last year, returning it to the original judge for reconsideration. Hiltzik reported the FDA said it chose to resolve this lawsuit rather than continuing to litigate over statements that are between two and nearly four years old. Hiltzik called the settlement a blunder, however, because:

  • “It leaves on the books the 5th Circuit’s adverse ruling, in which a panel of three judges found that the FDA’s advisory crossed the line from informing consumers, which they said is all right, to recommending that consumers take some action, which they said is not all right.”
  • The 5th Circuit’s ruling was a misinterpretation of the law, which might be used to litigate against the FDA for:
    • current consumer advisories such as “Don’t believe the hype. . . Some unscrupulous providers offer stem cell products that are both unapproved and unproven. So, beware of potentially dangerous procedures.”
    • future advisories that discourage product misuse.
  • Unwary consumers may be misled by announcements from the plaintiffs’ camp, such as:

Lawsuit alleges Women’s Cancer Fund is sham charity. The Federal Trade Commission and 10 states are suing Cancer Recovery Foundation International (also known as Women’s Cancer Fund) and its operator, Gregory B. Anderson, for deceiving donors. The 10 states are California, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin. [FTC, 10 states take action against operator of sham cancer charity for deceiving donors. FTC press release, March 11, 2024] The government’s complaint, filed in federal court, alleges:

  • Between 2017 and 2022, Women’s Cancer Fund collected more than $18.25 million from donors, promising donors their gift would go to directly help cancer patients and their families who were in need and assist them with basic living expenses such as rent, utilities, and food for their children. Instead, however, the overwhelming majority of the donations benefited Anderson and the for-profit fundraisers he hired.
  • Only $194,809—roughly 1%— was spent directly on helping women with cancer, while Anderson paid himself over $775,139 and paid the for-profit fundraisers he worked with over $15.55 million (85% of the total raised). The remaining amount went to paying for defendants’ overhead expenses.

Consumer Health Digest is a free weekly e-mail newsletter edited by William M. London, Ed.D., M.P.H., with help from Stephen Barrett, M.D., It summarizes scientific reports; legislative developments; enforcement actions; other news items; Web site evaluations; recommended and nonrecommended books; research tips; and other information relevant to consumer protection and consumer decision-making. The Digest’s primary focus is on health, but occasionally it includes non-health scams and practical tips. Items posted to this archive may be updated when relevant information becomes available. To subscribe, click here.