FDA Warns Companies Against Mislabeling Hangover Cures

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued warning letters to several companies for marketing unapproved hangover cures.

According to the FDA, the agency sent these warning letters to seven different companies for the sale of unapproved products with labels claiming they can cure, treat, mitigate, or prevent hangovers. These kinds of unapproved hangover cures violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Indeed, the FD&C Act covers all products that claim to cure, treat, mitigate, or prevent disease, and therefore these products are subject to its requirements, including an FDA evaluation and approval. But the FDA has not evaluated these supposed hangover cures, and therefore has not evaluated whether or not they are safe and effective, how they interact with other FDA-approved drugs, and what the proper dosage might be.

The FDA notes that it is important to be cautious of products that make unproven claims about preventing, treating, mitigating, or curing diseases, and that a doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional should be consulted before taking a drug or supplement.

The Only Hangover “Cure” Is Drinking Responsibly

“Dietary supplements that claim to cure, treat, mitigate or prevent hangovers could potentially harm consumers, especially young adults,” according to Steven Tave, director of the FDA’s Office of Dietary Supplement Programs. “Consumers may get the false impression that using these products can prevent or mitigate health problems caused by excessive drinking. Dietary supplements are not a substitute for responsibly limiting one’s alcohol consumption.”

The seven companies who were issued FDA warning letters, dated July 23, include:

• Double Wood LLC
• Ebnsol Inc.
• Vita Heaven LLC (doing business as Hangover Heaven)
• Happy Hour Vitamins
• LES Labs
• Mind, Body & Coal LLC
• Purple Biosciences LLC

The letters call out specific claims the companies made on their website about their products and their alleged effectiveness, primarily over preventing or curing hangovers. Some, like Double Wood, also claimed that their supplements protect the brain and liver, and some go so far as to claim they can reduce how drunk a user gets if they take the supplement before drinking.

The FDA has requested a response from these companies within 15 working days of how they intend to correct their violations. If they do not correct the FD&C violations, the FDA may take legal action.

Consumers who think that a dietary supplement or other product may have caused a reaction or illness should stop using the product immediately and get in touch with their health care provider. Adverse reactions associated with products regulated by the FDA should be reported.

The FDA reminds consumers that “if claims sound too good to be true, they probably are.”

As the market for dietary supplements continues to grow, in part because of aggressive online and social media advertising, a growing number of consumers are coming forward with allegations of false or misleading advertising, filing individual lawsuits or joining class action lawsuits. This particular class action lawsuit investigation is looking specifically for consumers who live in California.

If you live in California and have purchased a dietary supplement labeled with health claims you believe are false, deceptive, or misleading, including unapproved hangover cures, sometime within the last four years, you may have a legal claim for a dietary supplement lawsuit.

Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.

Join a Free California Supplements Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you live in California and purchased a dietary supplement with a label that touted health claims you believe may be false and misleading within the last four years, you may have a legal claim.

Get a Free Case Evaluation

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.