THE TGA issued 21 infringement notices totalling $319,260 to four businesses and three individuals for the alleged unlawful advertising of prescription-only medicines.
The infringement notices were issued to Advert Digital, Eveadam Health, Chronic Therapy, Reda Compounding Chemist, three sole traders in NSW and Victoria, primarily for weight loss ads on their websites.
It is alleged that each business unlawfully promoted the use and supply of prescription-only medicines including weight loss and erectile dysfunction medicines such as Ozempic, Saxenda and Viagra.
The businesses advertised weight loss medicines outside of their approved use (indication), stated that certain prescription-only medicines were TGA approved, and that certain therapeutic goods were safe, contravening the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code.
Health Dept's Deputy Secretary Nick Henderson said, "since 2022, the TGA has issued several warnings that advertising Ozempic is prohibited".
"Further, Ozempic is only approved by the TGA for lowering blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes and cannot be advertised to treat any other conditions," said Henderson.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 15 Jul 24
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