The Competition Committee warned about misleading phrases in drug advertisements.
In some advertisements for medicinal products, phrases that may mislead consumers are being used, such as "the most effective," "the safest," "guaranteed result," or "no side effects."
The Competition Committee recently drew attention to the use of exaggerated terms in advertisements for medicinal products in mass media, social networks, and messengers, which mislead or may mislead consumers.
It was noted that in some advertisements, medicinal products are promoted with descriptions such as "unique," "most effective," "safest," "guaranteed result," "most reliable remedy," "quickly cures," "has no side effects," or "proven efficacy."
The Committee emphasized that such information may create a false impression among consumers about the properties of medicinal products, encourage self-medication without a doctor's recommendation, and lead to negative health consequences.
In accordance with Article 34 of the Law "On Advertising," it is prohibited in advertisements for medicinal products to create the impression that self-treatment is possible, to use recommendations from scientists, medical professionals, or famous individuals, to cite expressions of gratitude from specific persons and cases of successful treatment, to present the preparation as the most effective, safest, or unique remedy, to claim guaranteed effects, and to make incorrect comparisons with other medicinal products.
Additionally, advertisements for over-the-counter medicinal products must include a warning about the existence of contraindications for use and the necessity of obtaining professional advice.
The Competition Committee called on advertisers and advertisement distributors to strictly comply with legal requirements, and on citizens to rely not only on advertisements but also on doctors' recommendations when choosing medicinal products.
