Silver nasal sprays: misleading Internet marketing.
Publication/Presentation Date
4-1-2008
Abstract
Long-term use of silver-containing products is associated with a permanent bluish-gray discoloration of the skin known as argyria, but they remain widely available despite several measures by the FDA to regulate them. Several recent case reports have described the occurrence of argyria as a result of using these "natural" products. We used the five most common Internet search engines to find Web sites providing information on silver-containing nasal sprays. Of 49 Web sites analyzed, only 2 (4%) mentioned argyria as a possible complication, although 30 (61%) did caution against long-term use. Eight sites (16%) made specific claims about the health benefits of the product. All 49 sites (100%) provided direct or indirect links to buy silver-containing nasal sprays. We conclude that information about silver-containing nasal sprays on the Internet is misleading and inaccurate. Therefore, otolaryngologists should be aware of the misinformation their patients may be receiving about these products.
Volume
87
Issue
4
First Page
217
Last Page
220
ISSN
0145-5613
Published In/Presented At
Gaslin, M. T., Rubin, C., & Pribitkin, E. A. (2008). Silver nasal sprays: misleading Internet marketing. Ear, nose, & throat journal, 87(4), 217–220.
Disciplines
Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
PubMedID
18478796
Department(s)
Marketing, Administration and Leadership
Document Type
Article