Watchdog Warns of Illegal Advertising for Weight-loss Drugs
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has issued a stern warning about the unlawful promotion of prescription weight-loss medication. In collaboration with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), the ASA identified approximately 1,800 paid-for weight-loss adverts in January that potentially advertised prescription-only medicine (POM). It has released an Enforcement Notice stating that any ads for named weight-loss POMs are banned, including those online, on social media, and endorsed by influencers. The authority emphasised that all existing ads promoting these drugs must be taken down immediately to comply with the law.
In December, the ASA forewarned businesses and individuals advertising weight-loss medicines to the public. They stressed that no one in the industry can plead ignorance regarding the prohibition on marketing prescription-only weight-loss drugs to the public. Currently, the ASA has initiated 12 investigations into ads that may be promoting weight-loss POMs through paid online ads and influencer marketing. The authority remains vigilant in monitoring the sector and has not ruled out further investigations.
Jess Tye, ASA regulatory projects manager, emphasised that advertising weight-loss prescription-only medicines to the public violates the law and advertising regulations. GPhC’s chief enforcement officer, Dionne Spence, highlighted the importance of ensuring that individuals only receive prescription medicines, such as those for weight management, following appropriate consultation and verification by their prescriber. Spence underlined that adverts and special price promotions should not be used for prescription-only medicines to prevent the promotion of specific POMs.
The GPhC inspectors will continue to assess pharmacies to verify compliance with standards and guidelines, particularly for registered pharmacies offering services remotely, including on the internet. The GPhC will collaborate closely with regulatory partners to guarantee prompt and proportional actions are taken to safeguard public health. The joint effort with the ASA and MHRA aims to crack down on illicit advertising practices in the weight-loss medication industry while upholding regulatory standards.
The crackdown on advertising prescription-only weight-loss drugs underscores the commitment to protecting public health and ensuring compliance with regulations. By issuing a warning against unlawful promotions and launching investigations into potential violations, the regulatory bodies are sending a clear message to advertisers and businesses in the sector. The collaborative initiative seeks to uphold the integrity of the healthcare industry and promote responsible advertising practices to safeguard consumer well-being.
Overall, the regulatory action serves as a reminder of the stringent regulations governing the marketing of prescription medicines and the importance of adhering to legal guidelines. The joint Enforcement Notice issued by the ASA, MHRA, and GPhC signals a concerted effort to uphold regulatory standards and crack down on illicit advertising practices within the weight-loss medication sector. It emphasises the collective responsibility of stakeholders to adhere to regulations and prioritise public health and safety in all advertising efforts related to prescription medicines.