At least two Facebook (FB) pages shared a fake advertisement for a product that allegedly treats sinusitis and other conditions. The product is neither registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) nor recommended by doctors featured in the video.
The advertisement that started circulating last March provides a link to the product website (nosecare.store) where netizens can complete a delivery form to get the discounted product. The site bore photos and reviews of doctors including cardiologist Willie Ong and her general practitioner wife Liza Ramoso-Ong.
The video ad featured licensed physician Kilimanjaro Tiwaquen, also known as Dr. Kilimanguru, discussing nasal polyp and chronic rhinosinusitis. This is followed by clips and narration about the softgel “Sinusolution” that promises fast treatment of sinusitis, allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps with no side effects.
The advertisement is fake and the product is not an FDA-registered drug or food supplement.
Tiwaquen is not promoting Sinusolution. His original video uploaded on March 14, 2022 was edited to add clips of narration to highlight the product.
Tiwaquen never posted about the softgel on his official Facebook page. (Read ‘Dr. Kilimanguru’ is NOT endorsing dried fruit cereal)
The website also fabricated the supposed expert reviews from Ong and Ramoso-Ong. The cardiologist reminded the public in a May 7 video that they only endorse a milk product for seniors. Other ads for drugs or food supplements using their photos and names are fake. (Read Cardiologist Willie Ong’s fake ads warning ALTERED to promote barley grass)
Several netizens continue to interact with the five-month-old posts, many asking for product details in the comments section.
VERA Files Fact Check continuously flags fake advertisements that use health experts’ and celebrities’ identities to promote unregistered cures. (Read Heart supplement ad DECEPTIVELY uses Vergeire’s name)
There are ongoing investigations into these fake ads. Department of Health special adviser Dr. Tony Leachon recently lodged a complaint with the National Bureau of Investigation regarding the unauthorized use of his professional identity to promote unverified health products. (Read Bogus ‘CNN Philippines’ site posts FAKE story on joint disease cure)
Last July, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada also called for an inquiry into the same issue.
The fake ads uploaded by FB pages Sinus Congestion v2 (created on Jan. 18, 2023) and Nose Protection Essentials (Dec. 2, 2022) collectively garnered 12,638 reactions, 2,162 comments,1,072 shares and 793,000 views.
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(Editor’s Note: VERA Files has partnered with Facebook to fight the spread of disinformation. Find out more about this partnership and our methodology.)
