How to spot a dodgy health product ad
Ads for health products are everywhere, but don't believe everything you read.
Some ads break the law, whether it's by offering a miracle cure or advertising an unapproved medicine. Other ads just need a little extra scrutiny, such as a fad treatment promoted by a social media influencer.
Our tips can help you avoid dodgy health products and challenge bogus advertisements when you see them.
Misleading claims
If it seems too good to be true, then it probably is.
Ads for health products must be truthful. If these ads mislead, they are illegal. This includes any claim that a medicine is 100% effective, a miracle cure, harmless or free of side effects. Ads for weight loss medicines must also say that the product only works as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Unapproved medicines
Before you buy, check for an AUST number.
Every approved medicine has an AUST L, AUST L(A) or AUST R number on the label. Medicines that do not have an AUST number are unapproved and may contain prohibited or dangerous ingredients, or may be manufactured in unsanitary conditions. Advertising unapproved medicines is illegal.
For more information on AUST numbers, visit How we regulate medicines.
Social influencers
Leave advice about your health to the professionals.
Recommendations for health products by people who are not health professionals, such as social media influencers, can be dangerous to rely on. Influencers may give incorrect advice or profit by promoting the product. Get your health advice, based on your particular circumstances, from qualified professionals instead.
Any ad that claims a health product prevents or cures COVID-19 is likely to be illegal.
Claims referring to cancer or other serious conditions
Cancer claims are extremely dangerous.
Ads for health products cannot refer to cancer, mental illness, sexually transmitted infections, COVID-19 or other serious conditions without permission from the TGA. If you have a serious health concern, always talk to a health professional.
Note that ads for sunscreens may mention the prevention of skin cancers, while products such as condoms that can prevent sexually transmitted infections may refer to these conditions.
Report dodgy ads for health products
If you see an ad for a health product that seems to break the law, you can submit an advertising complaint to us.
Learn more
- Consumer guide to therapeutic goods advertising requirements
- 10 things to look out for in medicine advertisements
- Advertising Hub
Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.
Related content
- Buying medicines and medical devices onlineThe Internet can offer consumers a convenient way to access therapeutic goods. However, online purchases of medicines or medical devices should be approached with caution.
If it walks like a therapeutic good, talks like a therapeutic good...Some retailers try to use disclaimers like 'for research purposes only' to sell an illegal product, but these disclaimers don't change the law.
How we stop advertisers from taking advantage of vulnerable consumersLearn how we manage complaints about therapeutic goods advertising.