The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued one infringement notice of $18,780 to Myers Pharmacy Pty Ltd for the alleged unlawful advertising of Ozempic, a prescription-only medicine.
Myers Pharmacy Pty Ltd allegedly advertised Ozempic through in-store signs at a pharmacy in New South Wales.
Advertising prescription-only medicines directly to consumers is prohibited under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (the Act) as it could create an inappropriate demand for these medicines and lead to unnecessary or harmful prescribing. Appropriate treatment options should be determined by a health professional in consultation with their patient.
Businesses must understand their legal obligations under the Act prior to advertising therapeutic goods.
Since 2022, the TGA has issued several warnings that advertising Ozempic is prohibited.
There remains an increased global demand for semaglutide products which is impacting availability and certainty of supply of Ozempic (semaglutide). The TGA will continue to take enforcement action when alleged unlawful import, supply, manufacture and advertising of these products is identified. This includes issuing fines and undertaking criminal or civil proceedings against non-compliant entities.
