Social media influencers are “bypassing” strict advertising codes with viral videos promoting the use of a vital prescription drug as a weight-loss treatment, causing shortages for people with diabetes.
Last month, a coalition of medical groups, including Diabetes Australia, the Australian Medical Association and the peak bodies for pharmacists and GPs, along with Ozempic’s manufacturer Novo Nordisk, released a joint statement with the Therapeutic Goods Administration. They advised health professionals to limit prescribing and dispensing Ozempic to people with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes.
The code exists to ensure advertising of drugs is socially responsible, only promotes quality use and does not mislead or deceive – but has a broad definition of advertising. The TGA’s guidelines specifically refer to when influencers in commercial relationships are promoting the drug because of a commercial relationship.
She is now out of stock. “It’s taken off so much in terms of off-label prescribing; they didn’t plan for the huge demand.” “The important thing to remember with all weight loss medications is they are never a standalone solution.”
Then prosecute the doctors prescribing it for the wrong reason.
Maybe if these people spent half as much time on social media and shopping for drugs they could go for a walk, skip an entree or dessert now and then and remove the need for drugs required by diabetics. But that would be too hard for the social media tossers wouldn't it
These so called “influencers” in reality couldn’t influence a good 💩!