Healthy Habits: Imposter Drugs (and Abreva Giveaway)

Looks can be deceiving, especially with all the choices and sophisticated packaging. Abreva, a leading OTC cold sore treatment brand, recently commissioned a study to draw attention to the importance of comparing the ingredients in branded versus ‘look-alike’ products. (Although much of this information is specific to cold-sores, the same can apply to any OTC treatment.)

In the survey, which asked 1,000 American adults ages 18 and older about how closely they pay attention to the ingredients in “look-alike” treatments, it revealed 66 percent of Americans believe that when “look-alike treatments” have the same or similar packaging as the name-brand treatment, that it is likely that they have the same ingredients. Additionally, 93 percent of Americans admit to purchasing the “look-alike treatments” in the past solely because they are less expensive.

           

To treat cold sores, there is only one over-the-counter product available that is FDA approved to speed the healing of cold sores. That product is Abreva, which contains 10 percent docosanol. Several “look-alike” cold sore treatments tout healing claims, but contain the ingredient Benzalkonium Chloride instead of docosonal. The FDA recently issued a warning letter to a marketer and distributor of a product containing benzalkonium chloride that is making the claim on its product’s label that it heals cold sores. The FDA found that the active ingredient, benzalkonium chloride, is not indicated as a cold sore treatment and may not make cold sore healing claims because there is no scientific evidence to support claims that it heals cold sores.

“If you’re in doubt about what treatment to look for, ask your pharmacist if both products have the same active ingredients.This will allow you to make an educated purchasing decision based on facts and not packaging or cost,” said Marquess.

To help raise awareness of imposter vs. real drugs, Abreva is sponsoring a giveaway. Three winners will each receive a tube. To enter, post in the comments if you've ever purchased a look-alike brand of a drug, and how it turned out. Deadline is July 13th.