DDA Warns Against Misleading Drug Promotions on Social Media

The Department of Drug Administration (DDA) has issued a warning against the misleading promotion of medicines through social media platforms.

In a public notice, the department cautioned sellers not to advertise or sell unverified medicines claiming to cure various diseases such as diabetes, obesity, prostate issues, thyroid problems, uric acid, sexual dysfunction, and even cancer, through platforms like Facebook and TikTok.

“The department’s attention has been drawn to the unregulated sale and deceptive advertisements of medicinal products through digital platforms such as Facebook and TikTok, claiming to cure diseases like diabetes, obesity, prostate problems, thyroid, uric acid, sexual dysfunction, and cancer,” the notice reads. “Products with names resembling medicines are being promoted, recommended, transported, distributed, and used in a manner contrary to the Drug Act, 2035 (1978). Therefore, the department has issued this notice to inform everyone not to engage in such illegal activities.”

The department also urged the public to refrain from using such products, warning that medicines not registered with the department and lacking scientific evidence could cause serious health consequences.

“The department has noted that such products promoted on social media under the claims of curing diabetes, obesity, prostate issues, uric acid, and enhancing sexual power are not registered with the department,” the notice states.

“It has been found that these products have no proven scientific basis and, based on laboratory reports, their use and that of their combinations can cause further complications in human health. For example, the use of Garcinia Cambogia has been associated with lead poisoning, severe abdominal pain, and constipation. Some products claiming to enhance sexual performance have been found to contain Sildenafil, a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction. Excessive use of such substances can harm human health and even lead to death,” the department further warned.