Sprays and pills that cure it all? Not true.

FTC Consumer Information

by Rosario Méndez

Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC

Marketers try to sell us things like sprays and pills that supposedly cure it all, help us lose weight, get rid of wrinkles, and more. But some marketers make claims about their products without having any proof and may lie about the results people experience after using their products. That’s what the FTC alleges Health Center Inc. and its owner Peggy Pearce, the telemarketers of Rejuvi-Cell, Rejuvi-Sea, and Rejuvi-Stem, did.

Health Center claimed its “Rejuvi” health products could cure everything from cancer, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease to depression, diabetes, and obesity, either by spraying their homeopathic product, Rejuvi-Cell, under the tongue, or by taking a few pills of Rejuvi-Sea or Rejuvi-Stem. The FTC says that Health Center didn’t have any scientific evidence to back up those claims. And the testimonials on the company’s websites were written by employees, not actual customers. All these actions are deceptive, says the FTC.

When it comes to health issues, we all want a quick and easy solution. Add to that the pressure that telemarketers put on people, and it’s easy to see how someone may fall for empty promises. But there are a few things that we can learn from this case:

• Don’t trust products that promise to cure lots of medical issues. Nothing can cure it all.
• Traditional homeopathic products lack reliable scientific evidence for their claims of effectiveness. They are not evaluated for safety and effectiveness by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
• Take testimonials with a grain of salt. Look for reviews on your own. Search the product online and put words like “problems” or “complaints” to see what others are saying about the products.
• It’s best to always consult a healthcare provider before trying a new medical treatment, especially if it’s for a serious condition.