Videos on social media glamorising prescription-only drugs are leading to shortages of a life-saving diabetes medication
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.”