FORMER Federal Senator, David Leyonhjelm, has been warned he could face criminal and civil charges relating to claims made online about the use of ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19.
In a direction about advertisements issued by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on Fri, the ex-Liberal Democratic Party Senator was ordered to "cease all advertising of therapeutic goods containing the active ingredient ivermectin, including but not limited to advertising on your profile on the Twitter website..." and to "cease making claims or representations in advertisements for any therapeutic goods that those goods have any effect on COVID-19 (including that said therapeutic goods are capable of preventing, treating or alleviating COVID-19)".
Leyonhjelm was ordered to comply with the direction by midday on Sat 06 Feb, and to email evidence to the TGA by that time.
The TGA direction noted that on 02 Feb, Leyonhjelm had posted, "in several countries, ivermectin is being used to treat COVID. For those who want some, this horse product is probably the most economical source. Enough to treat the street too", to his Twitter account accompanied by a picture of the veterinary medicine.
A subsequent investigation by the TGA found the post contravened the Therapeutic Goods Act.
A delegate of the Department of Health Secretary, sent a letter on 04 Feb to Leyonhjelm requesting that he remove the post, and warning the TGA could take enforcement action if he failed to comply.
The letter was followed up by a phone call from the Advertising Compliance and Investigations Assistant Director on 05 Feb requesting the immediate removal of the post.
Leyonhjelm requested to have the letter re-sent, which promoted him to post, "the TGA (following a complaint from some snivelling toad) has written to say I'm promoting the human use of an animal product. Promoting? Which part of 'for those who want some' did they miss? Also, every horse owner in the country knows this", alongside the original post.
Leyonhjelm appears to have removed the posts from his Twitter account.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 09 Feb 21
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 09 Feb 21
