A Cruel Hoax Vetionx

ATTENTION:

Even if you have received a refund from Ionx, this does not justify them selling fraudulent products to others.  If you have concerns, please forward them to the FDA Veterinary Division:

http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/default.htm

Or, for concerns regarding their human products (HelloLife, Micronutra, etc), contact the FDA drug Division:

http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/default.htm

You may also choose to contact your state Attorney General

Allowing this issue to rest encourages fraudulent companies to operate and flourish

Warning:  When searching for remedies to treat your animals at home, you will find hundreds of reference to Vetionx products - ALL OF THESE RECOMMENDATIONS AND REVIEWS ARE PLANTED BY THE MANUFACTURERS OF VETIONX PRODUCTS - THEY ARE NOT GENUINE REVIEWS. NO REPUTABLE VETERINARIAN EVER RECOMMENDS THE USE OF ANY VETIONX PRODUCTS

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Trust Me
have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease

So, why are you selling them?

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The Business of 'Reputation Defense'

 We've all heard the radio ads for companies such as Reputation Defender, but in case you've missed them, here's what they do:  When a company is worried about what will show up when a potential customer Googles their company or product, they hire these guys.  What they do is flood the Internet with phony websites praising their product.  This had the effect of pushing any negative comments and reviews WAY down in the search results.  Since most people rarely scroll past the first three pages, they will never see what people really think of their product. Now, why would an ethical company need to do this?

This is what Ionx does - and boy, do they ever. Unless you know how to search and have the fortitude to wade through all the pap, you'll never get the true story.  My own bad experience with Ionx has opened my eyes to the rampant fraud on the web.  Whatever there was before, multiplied 100 fold with the advent of the Internet.  Fortunately there are government agencies whose job it is to protect consumers.  Join me in pursuing fraudulent web businesses. Report, report, report!

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 Techmedica Health Inc has repeatedly been indicted by the FDA for fraudulent claims, selling non-FDA approved drugs, Internet fraud and false advertising.  Their annual sales are beween 5 and 10 million dollars - A LOT OF CUSTOMERS DEFRAUDED!

Read more about Techmedica on Quackwatch.org

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Links to FDA correspondence with Techmedica and Reports:

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/EnforcementActivitiesbyFDA/CyberLetters/ucm059025.pdf

http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/CriminalInvestigations/ucm272050.htm

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/EnforcementReports/2007/ucm120449.htm

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Food/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/ComplianceEnforcement/UCM184107.pdf

http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/2006/ucm076120.htm

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What Ionx employees have to say about working at Ionx
http://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Ionx-Holdings-Reviews-E388306.htm

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Want to see Ionx products?  Here is the agreement you'll need to sign. Number 5 is telling.

http://universalunlimited.com/documents/application.pdf
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An interesting little burb, LOL
http://www.companynamesucks.com/ionx-holdings-sucks-9025.html

Ionx products are manufactured by King Bio Inc who offer their "pure water based products" for private label distribution.  So, YOU TOO can sell useless garbage.  King Bio offers a whole new avenue for research.  Boy the matrix just gets more and more twisted, doesn't it?

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Headline from the Internet
  Tony Pham is awaiting sentencing on fraud charges - faces 25 years in prison
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Yet ANOTHER company under the Ionx Holdings LLC banner - HelloLife LLC.  This one specializes (surprise, surprise) lice removal and 'homeopathic' drops to cure obsessive/compulsive disorder and ADHD.  Who knew curing serious psychiatric issues could be done with drops? I guess the further one gets away from FDA regulation, the better.  This adds another brand name to the huge matrix of Ionx product lines.  To get to the bottom of this dubious supplement ring would take a team of researchers.
When things get hot, these companies change their names and ownerships, so Micronutra is now HelloLife
http://www.hellolife.net/discover/?utm_source=adcenter&utm_medium=mscpc&utm_campaign=MNBrands&utm_term=hellolife&s_kwcid=hellolife|{creative}

http://www.hellolife.net/discover/?utm_source=adcenter&utm_medium=mscpc&utm_campaign=MNBrands&utm_term=hellolife&s_kwcid=hellolife|{creative}

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It figures, it would only be a matter of time before they got into the lucrative hard-on business
http://www.provigro.com/

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Frauds and scams are nothing new.  Snake oil salesmen have plied their trade for hundreds of years, until consumer advocates and government agencies began to regulate these scam artists out of business. 
Unfortunately, the Internet has created a whole new breed of these filthy practitioners.  Many of these are obvious frauds, such as the Nigerian email scams everyone is familiar with.  However many of these shady operators use slick websites and carefully worded legalese to dupe customers into buying their worthless products.
If it were spot removers were talking about, the customer is out a few bucks and no real harm is done.  But, when it comes to the treatment of medical conditions the scam becomes criminal.
One of the filthiest companies on the web is a company called Vetionx.  This company sells a variety of products to treat human and animal conditions.
I have had personal experience with only one of their brands - Defendex, but an Internet search revealed scores of dissatisfied purchasers of Vetionx products.


That these products are purchased by people looking to ease the suffering of their animals, only to find that they are worthless is heartbreaking.  I know my cat has suffered a great deal because of this fraud. 

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But, I'm protected by their 'money back guarantee, aren't I?  No, you're not.  Once you discover that their products have zero result, you will need to return the product and pay a $20 re-stocking fee, so you might end up owing THEM money.  Nice huh?
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Read the claims and phony reviews on the Vetionx website but keep in mind, they are all lies.  http://www.vetionx.com/defendex.php?utm_source=adcenter&utm_medium=mscpc&utm_campaign=VetIonx-Brands&utm_term=defendex

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From elsewhere on the web

Another, VetIonx, has connections to Techmedica: ^[5]

"Pham pleaded guilty on July 2, 2009, to his role in the conspiracy to violate the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and to one count of wire fraud. Pham owned and operated Techmedica Health, Inc., located in Grand Rapids. Pham admitted that he used Techmedica to repackage, sell, market, and distribute unapproved new drugs and misbranded drugs over the Internet. Web sites used by Techmedica contained materially false testimonials, product information, and identification of medical professionals.

"Techmedica fabricated fraudulent customer identities using photographs purchased from Istockphoto.com. Testimonials attributed to these fraudulent identities touted the effectiveness of the unapproved new drugs and misbranded drugs. Techmedica also posted one of the Istockphoto.com photographs on their Web sites to fabricate a non-existent physician, Dr. Judy Hamilton, for the purpose of lending authenticity to and endorsing product claims about Diabeticine for customers with Type I and Type II diabetes. The person identified as Dr. Hamilton was in fact a model from California. This same model's photograph was also used by Pham on another Web site to fabricate a non-existent nurse, Bethany Hunt, RN, to tout the effectiveness of the unapproved new drugs and misbranded drugs.

"Techmedica, through Pham, operated several Web sites using mirror image technology. When each of these Web sites was accessed from an FDA network computer, they displayed a “sanitized” version of the Web site containing medical claims that attempted to comply with the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. However, when each of these Web sites was accessed from a computer whose IP address could not be traced to the FDA, they displayed claims that the dietary supplements could cure, mitigate, treat, and prevent diseases, so that these supplements were sold as unapproved new drugs and misbranded drugs."

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How to recognise Scams - Food and Drug Administration

Some advice from the US Federal Trade Commission on how to spot false claims in health care products: [8]

"When evaluating health-related claims, be skeptical. If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Here are some signs of a fraudulent claim: "Statements that the product is a quick and effective cure-all or diagnostic tool for a wide variety of ailments. For example: "Extremely beneficial in the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, infections, prostate problems, ulcers, cancer, heart trouble, hardening of the arteries and more." "Statements that suggest the product can treat or cure diseases. For example: "shrinks tumors" or "cures impotency." "Promotions that use words like "scientific breakthrough," "miraculous cure," "exclusive product," "secret ingredient" or "ancient remedy." For example: "A revolutionary innovation formulated by using proven principles of natural health-based medical science." "Text that uses impressive-sounding terms like these for a weight-loss product: "hunger stimulation point" and "thermogenesis." "Undocumented case histories or personal testimonials by consumers or doctors claiming amazing results. For example: "My husband has Alzheimer['s disease]. He began eating a teaspoonful of this product each day. And now in just 22 days he mowed the grass, cleaned out the garage, weeded the flower beds and we take our morning walk again." "Limited availability and advance payment requirements. For example: "Hurry. This offer will not last. Send us a check now to reserve your supply." "Promises of no-risk "money-back guarantees." For example: "If after 30 days you have not lost at least 4 pounds each week, your uncashed check will be returned to you.""

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Homeopathy = Snake Oil

Extensive scientific research has proven that homeopathy is useless.  The basic principle of homeopathy is that the more dilute an active ingredient is, the more effective it becomes.  So a product may not actually contain any active ingredients.  Even the most uninformed person can see that this premise is beyond idiotic.

Vetionix products are homeopathic, but few buyers would even know this until they read the tiny print on the product after they have purchased it.

How unethical can a company be when it sells expensive products that prolongs the suffering of animals.

What the National Council Against health Fraud says http://www.ncahf.org/pp/homeop.html

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Definition of Placebo

placebo

Definition

pla·ce·bo

[ plə sbō ]

pla·ce·bos

Plural

NOUN 

1. 

prescription without physical effect: something prescribed for a patient that contains no medicine, but is given for the positive psychological effect it may have because the patient believes that he or she is receiving treatment

2. 

pharmacology inactive substance: a preparation containing no active ingredients, given to a patient participating in a clinical trial in order to assess the performance of a new drug given to other patients in the trial

3. 

something done to placate somebody: something of no inherent benefit that is done or said simply to placate or reassure somebody

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DR. CHAR WILSON - Quack Practitioner

If you look up the definition of 'quack' in the dictionary, you might find this picture

Every specialty has its quacks, and Veterinary medicine is no exception.  These misguided souls ply their voodoo trade on equally misguided animal owners.  'Doctor' Wilson lends her name to the fraudulent Vetionx company since, she too is a practitioner of the scam known as homeopathy, and as a paid endorser, profits handsomely from the promotion of their useless products..  When it comes to treating people, I could care less.  They can do what they want - crystals, aroma therapy, standing on their friggin heads.  But when it comes to animals, those practices are cruel and abusive, since every medical researcher has proven that homeopathy is nothing more than a placebo at best and snake oil at worst.
Placebos do not work with animals since they have no clue what treatment is or is not supposed to do.  All they know, is that they are being subjected to treatment.  It is for the owner to make proper decisions regarding their care.  But how is an owner to know, when he/she is being scammed by sophisticated come-ons?  So there are 2 victims here - the owner who is paying for the product in the belief that they are doing the best thing for the animal they care about, and the animal that continues to suffer from ineffective treatment.
Phony practitioners, whatever their intent are witch doctors of the worst kind.  Dr. Char Wilson is just such a practitioner.
'Doctor' Wilson lives on a sprawling 80 acre estate in Alto, Mich.  It would appear that pitching snake  oil is a highly profitable venture.
You might want to drop her a line and tell her what you think of her recommendations.

Char Wilson

10313 Morse Lake Ave, Alto, MI 49302

'DOCTOR' WILSON, HOW COULD YOU?!!!

http://drcharwilson.com/

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What Ohio State University Says

Some direct quotes from an abstract from Ohio State University about alternative treatments:[7]

"Quackery is defined as "Promotion, for profit, of devices, services, plans or products that do not work, or which are untested." "Quackery can delay a person from seeking care for their pet’s problem, be dangerous itself, and delay legitimate research to find an effective cure." "Be wary of "experts" who say that: They or their products can produce miracles. Offer only testimonials to support their claims. (and only positive ones) They have something to sell you. (usually at a handsome profit)"

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Mange Treatment

Interesting that in the dozens of sources (other than the Vetionx website)  I could find no recommendation for the use of Defendex or any other 'Homeopathic' treatment.  You'd think even one professional or pet owner would recommend it if it had any effectiveness - and I don't mean the phony "reviews" offered on the Vetionx website.  I learned the hard way, maybe you will do a little more research than I did, and avoid getting scammed.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mange

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Genuine Reviews of Vetionx Products

Elsie Pena (CA) - I started my dog on Dermaionx for around 3 months, and prior to using the Dermaionx , my dog was experiencing a mild itching on her back, and on her paws. I decided to purchase the Dermaionx before the problem got worst. I faithfully gave her the proper dosage everyday. I also changed her brand of food. The problem got worst.(really bad) I noticed that she did not have any parasites other than the itching. I called vetionx and was told that the product did not work for my dog. I decided to take her to the vet. The vet prescribed some ointment, And now it is finally clearing up. The dermaionx created a worst problem and more itching. Do not waste your money on this product. This does not work! The return policy states that there is a 20% restocking fee. You also lose the money that you paid for shipping and handling. I did not order this product from Amazon, I ordered directly from the company. I have been satisfied with Amazon because they stand behind the products. This does not work!
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Arthro-ionx Review

August 12th, 2011 by Paul Johnson | Comments(0)

ArthroIonX claims it can help treat arthritis and hip dysplasia for dogs and other pets. As dogs get older, they often suffer from arthritis pain or a problem in their hips called hip dysplasia.
Arthro-ionx is based on something in alternative medicine I don’t believe can work, called Homeopathy. I’ve never been convinced of homeopathy for multiple reasons. The main reason being that even if the ingredients they used actually worked the concentration is so diluted it can’t work significantly. In arthro-ionx the homeopathic concentrations are listed as 10X,20X, and 30X concentration. In homeopathic terms that means only parts per million, which is almost undetectable. A concentration so low that for example, arsenic is allowed in our drinking water at levels much higher than 10 to 30X used in arthro-ionx for the “active ingredients”. Therefore the product is almost virtually just water.

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Cindy (Nappa, CA) -  Promaxol, advertised as a homeopathic  pain management medication for cats and dogs, gave my old cat terrible diarrhea after only one day of use.  She already has pretty severe arthritis so getting to her kitty box was difficult.  needless to say, because of this product, she was in distress and we had a huge mess to clean up as a result.
Total rip off.  See your vet and know that there is only one proven pain medication that works for cats, Metacam.  It is available by prescription only and is hard on the cat's kidneys not to mention pricey.

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I purchased this product based on their extravagant claims to eliminate mange in cats and dogs.  I had previously purchased another product, which was very effective, but had an unpleasant odor, so I thought I'd give Defendex a try.

The price was $27 for a 4oz bottle of shampoo, plus shipping.

I used the shampoo on my cat exactly as directed for 3 weeks.  In this time, she got steadily worse and lost a great deal of hair.  In addition, I became infected and my house became infested.

Double checking the label, the fine print says "for treatment of self-limiting conditions", meaning conditions which go away by themselves. MANGE IS NOT SELF LIMITING.  In addition, comparing the ingredients to a cheap bottle of Suave shampoo (about $2.00 for a huge bottle), I see that the ingredients are almost identical, with the addition of trace elements of flower extracts.

Their website has flowery reviews by supposed past users, but in minute print below says " the reviews shown do not guarantee that you will experience the same or similar results".  I honestly doubt those reviews were written by anyone other than the company promoting the product.

The outcome is that using this shampoo has delayed the cure, since I had to order the original medication I had used previously and caused my cat and me a great deal of discomfort between the multiple shampoos (a total of 5 times), washing all items which may be infested repeatedly, and this doesn't take into account the disgusting feeling of being infected with mange mites.

I know, from past experience that when caught early and eliminated, the mange mites do not have a chance to cause such a heavy infestation.

I can't understand how a company can tell such blatant lies, or that it is even legal to do so.

This company and it's products are heavily promoted on the web, which appears to give them legitimacy.

DO NOT TRUST THEIR CLAIMS - DO NOT PURCHASE THIS PRODUCT  

Links to the Ionx Holdings LLC (Techmedica Health Inc) fraud

http://diabetesindogs.wikia.com/wiki/Ad_scams_2

http://www.ripoffreport.com/veterinarians/vetionx/vetionx-promaxol-gave-my-old-db488.htm

http://www.casewatch.org/fdawarning/prod/2005/techmedica.shtml

http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-242712548.html
http://www.chron.com/news/article/PRN-Mannatech-Sues-Techmedica-Health-Inc-for-1851359.php

http://www.mlive.com/business/index.ssf/2008/02/kentwood_supplement_firm_owner.html

http://www.quackwatch.org/02ConsumerProtection/FDAActions/thao.html

http://www.justice.gov/usao/mow/news2009/pham.ple.htm

http://www.publichealthforums.com/f-371-do-not-buy-herbal-products-from-micronutra.html

http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2011/05/an_unexpected_confluence_between_scienceblogs.php