TGA Tightens Rules on Social Media Promotion of Prescription Medicines
14 Nov 2025
The regulator has issued updated guidance to ensure influencers, businesses and account owners understand that they have legal responsibilities when discussing therapeutic products online.
The TGA says it has seen a noticeable increase in posts advertising weight-loss medicines and cosmetic injectables, prompting the need for clearer rules and firmer oversight. In the 2024–25 period alone, more than 13,700 unlawful online ads were taken down at the TGA’s request.
While the regulator acknowledges that social media plays a major role in consumer communication, it also stresses that any content encouraging the use or supply of prescription medicines counts as advertising. This includes posts using images, hashtags, nicknames, endorsements or influencer-style content.
According to the TGA, many of the problematic posts involve products such as Ozempic or injectable cosmetic treatments like Botox. These posts commonly feature before-and-after photos and promotional-style messaging that breaches advertising laws.
GP and dietitian Dr Terri-Lynne South says many patients come to her after seeing misleading claims about weight-loss drugs online. She supports the TGA’s tougher stance, noting that some marketing around obesity medication is inappropriate and potentially harmful.
Dr South says these posts often promote unrealistic body expectations and imply that weight alone defines health. She emphasises that obesity is a long-term medical condition with various management options and that medication is not solely about achieving weight loss.
The updated TGA advice outlines:
• what social media content may be considered advertising
• the legal responsibilities of influencers, account holders and businesses
• common mistakes and how to avoid breaching the law
• proper use of testimonials and endorsements
Source: newsGP / TGA
