FDA warns: Nasal sprays do not treat, prevent COVID-19 infection

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

In an advisory dated Sept. 10, the FDA director general Eric Domingo said nasal spray products were only authorized as “medical devices intended for short-term use in the nasal cavity and serves as mechanical barrier from particulates.”

He added these sprays “coat the nasal mucosa with substances that have a non-specific effect against pathogens.”

“The products do not have active pharmaceutical ingredients that directly treat, eliminate or prevent diseases,” Domingo said.

“They should not be used as substitutes to medicines and vaccines to prevent or treat SARS-CoV-2 Infection or COVID-19,” he added.

The agency urged the public to be vigilant in using products such as this which claims that it can prevent or treat COVID-19.

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