FDA warns public vs nasal spray products with claims for COVID-19 treatment

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned the public against the use of nasal spray products that claim to prevent and treat coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
In its advisory no. 2021-2289, the FDA said that nasal spray products should not be used as treatment against COVID-19.
"They should not be used as substitutes to medicines and vaccines to prevent or treat SARS-CoV-2 Infection or COVID-19," the FDA said.
"The public is further encouraged to be vigilant in using products with claims against prevention or treatment of the COVID-19 disease," it added.
The FDA said that the nasal spray products "have been authorized as medical devices which are intended for short-term use in the nasal cavity and serves as mechanical barrier from particulates."
"These are sprays that coat the nasal mucosa with substances that have a non-specific effect against pathogens," the FDA said.
"The products do not have active pharmaceutical ingredients that directly treat, eliminate or prevent diseases," it added.