A warning that advertising Ozempic (semaglutide) is prohibited

The TGA warns advertisers and social media influencers against publicly promoting Ozempic (semaglutide) for weight-loss.

There are consequences if someone is found to have breached, the advertising requirements under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (the Act).

Advertising Ozempic is prohibited

Ozempic is a prescription only medicine and cannot be advertised to the public. Prescription medicines are higher risk medicines and should only be determined as an appropriate treatment option in consultation with a professionally trained medical practitioner, rather than on the basis of consumer advertising.

Advertising to the public is a contravention of the Act that can result in jail time and:

• criminal penalties of up to:
  • $888,000 for individuals
  • $4.44 million for corporations
• civil penalties of up to:
  • $1.11 million for individuals
  • $11.1 million for corporations.

Read more in Advertising prescription medicine Ozempic (semaglutide) is prohibited.