Advertisingcosmetic injectionsComplying with therapeuticgoods legislationEducation seminarsThe Therapeutic Goods Advertising CodeCouncil (TGACC) regularly presents educationalseminars. Further information can be found atwww.tgacc.com.au/events.cfmFurther informationFor further information about advertisingtherapeutic goods:y visit the TGA website www.tga.gov.auy email [email protected] visit the ComLaw websitewww.comlaw.gov.au for:Β the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989Β the Therapeutic Goods Regulations 1990Reporting problemsConsumers and health professionals areencouraged to report problems with medicines,vaccines or medical devices.Reports can be made online atwww.tga.gov.au/safety/problem.htmTherapeutic Goods AdministrationPO Box 100 Woden ACT 2606 AustraliaEmail: [email protected]: 1800 020 653 Fax: 02 6232 8605www.tga.gov.auPublished March 2013Are your advertisements blemish-free?Does your business promotecosmetic injections?In Australia, advertisements for therapeuticgoods, including those used in cosmeticservices, must comply with the TherapeuticGoods Act 1989.Under the Act, therapeutic goods containingprescription only substances (substances includedin Schedule 4 or 8 of the Standard for the UniformScheduling of Medicines and Poisons) cannot beadvertised to consumers. This includes mostinjections for cosmetic use.References to the active ingredients in suchproducts and abbreviations of either the trade oringredient names are also unacceptable.Reasons for restrictionsAdvertising restrictions for therapeutic goodsare in place to protect the health and safety ofconsumers.Prescription
medicines are considered high riskproducts, and prior assessment of the patient by amedical professional is required before use.Advertising that encourages consumers toseek out such products is disruptive to theprescriber?patient relationship and potentiallydangerous.Definition of an advertisementIn relation to therapeutic goods, an advertisementis broadly defined as any statement, image ordesign that is intended to promote a product.This includes promotion in traditional media, such as:y televisiony radioy newspapers, magazines and pamphletsy posters and displays, including those locatedin stores and surgeries.It also includes electronic media, such as:y websitesy emailsy blogsy discussion forumsy social mediaAdvertising legallyTo enable you to continue promoting yourservices to consumers, while also complyingwith the law, the Therapeutic GoodsAdministration (TGA) has published on itswebsite a list of acceptable general termsthat can be used to describe certain cosmeticinjections in advertisements.Examples of these general phrases include:y cosmetic injectionsy anti?wrinkle injections/treatmentsy injections/treatments for lipsPenalties for non-complianceWhen non?compliant advertising comes to theTGAΒs attention, the advertiser is notified.In the first instance, the TGA seeks to inform,educate and assist advertisers to comply withthe rules relating to advertising.However, if this approach fails, the TGA may takeregulatory action. The Act provides for financialpenalties for advertising breaches. In 2013, finesfor such breaches can be:y up to $10,200 for individualsy up to $51,000 for corporations.