FTC Mailing $210K in Elimidrol Refund Checks

The Federal Trade Commission has announced that it will be mailing more than $210,000 in refunds to 5,379 consumers who purchased Elimidrol, which was marketed by Sunrise Nutraceuticals LLC as an effective treatment for opiate addiction withdrawal.

The average refund amount is $39, according to the FTC.

The FTC filed the Elimidrol lawsuit against Sunrise in November 2015, alleging Sunrise deceptively claimed Elimidrol could alleviate opiate withdrawal symptoms and increase the chances of overcoming opiate addiction.

The supplement consists of a mix of vitamins, minerals and herbs, including magnolia bark, passionflower herb and oat bran.

Elimidrol was marketed as being able to provide “powerful relief for all opiate withdrawals including prescription opiates, heroin, methadone, and suboxone,” according to the FTC. Advertisements claimed Elimidrol was “America’s #1 scientifically formulated detox support supplement that will provide you with the strength and comfort to successfully overcome opiate withdrawal by alleviating the intense mental and physical discomfort during the process.”

Sunrise reportedly targeted opiate-dependent customers with claims that the supplement helps users “leave addiction behind permanently,” and that “Elimidrol is the difference between just another failed attempt and lifelong success.”

The Elimidrol advertisements also boasted about the supplement’s “very high success rate.” However, the FTC says Sunrise did not have proof to back up its claims about Elimidrol’s benefits.

Sunrise also used testimonials from opiate-dependent customers to promote Elimidrol. One testimonial states: “My wife and I took Elimidrol for the first time together and we were ecstatic. I mean truly delighted that it actually worked. We felt this sense of normalcy and like we can do this. That was over a month ago and neither of us has touched a single drug since.”

Under the terms of the Elimidrol settlement with the FTC, Sunrise must use human clinical testing to make disease-related claims about opioid dependence, addiction or withdrawal. Other health-related representations must be backed by competent and reliable scientific evidence.

An eight-ounce bottle of Elimidrol reportedly cost $75.

“Opiate addiction has taken a tremendous toll on the American public,” said Jessica Rich, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “By peddling their unproven product, these defendants have prevented people from seeking legitimate treatment.”

A judgment of nearly $1.4 million was imposed on Sunrise. However, Sunrise will only pay $235,000 based on the company’s ability to pay. If the FTC learns that Sunrise has misrepresented its financial situation, the full amount of the judgment will be due.

According to the FTC, Rust Consulting Inc. began mailing the Elimidrol refund checks on Sept. 28, 2017.

NOTE: If you receive an Elimidrol refund check, you must cash it by Nov. 27, 2017 or it will become void. If you have any questions, you can call 1-866-880-0103.

The FTC Elimidrol Deceptive Marketing Lawsuit is Federal Trade Commission v. Sunrise Nutraceuticals LLC, Case No. 9:15-cv-81567, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.