FDA: Nasal sprays can’t treat, prevent COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday warned the public against misleading claims by pharmaceutical companies that nasal spray products could be used to prevent or treat COVID-19.

According to FDA chief Eric Domingo, there are several nasal spray products authorized to be sold in the market.

“But none of these products are registered with the FDA for COVID-19,” Domingo said. “We will look into reports that nasal sprays are being used to treat COVID-19.”

In an advisory issued on Sept. 10, the FDA said nasal sprays being sold in the market were authorized as “medical devices, which are intended for short-term use in the nasal cavity and serve as mechanical barriers from particulates.”

Nasal spray products “coat the nasal mucosa with substances that have no specific effect against pathogens,” the FDA noted.

Cecille Matienzo, FDA Center for Device Regulation, Radiation Health and Research director, said they are looking into the database of all registered nasal spray products.

“From there we can see which will be part of the review. We cannot say at this time if it is purely misleading claims or on the marketing of the products,” Matienzo said.

The FDA warned the public that nasal sprays should not be used as substitutes for medicines and vaccines to treat COVID-19.

The state health regulator urged the public to be cautious in using products with claims against prevention and treatment of COVID-19, adding that vaccines are effective against the virus.

A group of doctors also warned the public against the use of nasal sprays.

The Philippine Society of Otolarynngology said “commercially available nasal sprays with barrier protective effects may have a role in the mucosal defense against pathogens and contaminants.”

But the group supported the FDA’s stand that nasal sprays should not be used in preventing or treating COVID-19.

The Department of Trade and Industry said companies selling nasal sprays could face charges of violation of the Consumer Act if they are marketing the items for the treatment of COVID-19. – Louella Desiderio