Launch of new advertising hub and online complaints form

Consumers can now report dodgy ads for medicines and medical devices through a single online form.

On 1 July 2018, we launched a web hub bringing together news and information about the regulation of therapeutic goods advertising. This online resource contains tools for both consumers and advertisers, including fact sheets, e-learning modules and forms for reporting unfair or misleading advertising and submitting enquiries.

The new complaint form makes it easy for anyone to lodge complaints about advertisements for therapeutic goods. The TGA is now the sole body for handling complaints about medicine and medical device advertisements aimed at the public, with new sanctions and penalties for advertisers who do not comply with regulations.

Consumers can use the hub to educate themselves on the rules that protect them against unfair or misleading ads for therapeutic goods. Fact sheets such as "The top 10 things to look out for in medicine advertisements" explain the controls in place to protect the health and safety of consumers.

Advertisers can learn how to meet the requirements of a compliant advertisement through e-learning modules on the hub. The first module on the basics of therapeutic goods advertising regulation is now available, with future modules planned for the coming months. Advertisers can also check whether a particular therapeutic good can be advertised to the public by using a simple online decision tool.

The revised Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code has also been published, with more updates and additions to resources planned throughout the year.

Check in with the hub regularly for the latest information, tools and resources on advertising therapeutic goods.

To provide feedback on the content or functionality of the advertising web hub, contact the TGA at TGA.Advertising@health.gov.au.