The American Medical Association (AMA) today commended the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission for issuing joint warning letters to the marketers and distributors of 12 opioid cessation products for illegally marketing unapproved products with claims about their ability to help in the treatment of opioid addiction and withdrawal. The following statement is attributable to Patrice A. Harris, M.D., chair of the AMA Opioid Task Force.

"This aggressive and timely action will save lives. Our patients with substance use disorder need safe and effective treatment, not sham treatments that fleece them and prey on the stigma surrounding this disorder.

"Physicians have several tools to help patients overcome an opioid addiction. If patients are drawn to unapproved treatments, they face delays - and even death - by the time they realize the ineffectiveness of these heavily promoted 'treatments.'

"It should go without saying that people with substance use disorders are vulnerable and easily victimized by promises of a quick and painless recovery. Our patients have enough obstacles in accessing treatment, whether it is prior authorization, insurance issues or a shortage of treatment options. Thanks to the FDA and FTC action, they have one fewer obstacle."