Advertising of first aid creams containing bufexamac to cease in Australia

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is reminding advertisers that first aid creams containing bufexamac cannot be advertised to Australian consumers from 18 September 2020.

The TGA issued a safety alert for first aid creams containing bufexamac on 8 September 2020 advising of the risk of serious skin reactions (allergic contact dermatitis). The safety alert also advised that 12 topical first aid creams that contain the active ingredient bufexamac, under various brand names, will be cancelled from the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), effective on 18 September 2020.

Cancelled therapeutic goods cannot be advertised to Australian consumers. Advertisements promoting the use or supply of cancelled goods will breach the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.

The TGA takes action against advertising breaches

The regulatory scheme is critical to the safety of Australian consumers. The TGA has a range of compliance and enforcement tools available to detect, deter and address the illegal advertising of therapeutic goods not included in the ARTG. These tools may include criminal or civil court proceedings, which can result in substantial fines or imprisonment.

Any person, including businesses, advertising therapeutic goods to consumers must comply with the requirements for advertising. The TGA encourages people to report suspected non-compliant advertising via its advertising complaints form.