The Competition Committee of Uzbekistan has issued a warning regarding the use of phrases in drug advertisements that may mislead consumers.

According to the committee, recent advertisements in mass media, social networks, and messengers have been using expressions such as “unique”, “most effective”, “safest”, “guaranteed result”, “most reliable remedy”, “quickly heals”, “no side effects”, and “proven effectiveness”.

Such information can create a false impression about the properties of the drug, encourage self-medication without consulting a doctor, and lead to negative health consequences.

Under Article 34 of the Law “On Advertising”, it is prohibited to create the impression that self-treatment without a doctor’s advice is possible, to use recommendations from scientists, medical professionals, or celebrities, and to cite expressions of gratitude or cases of successful treatment.

It is also forbidden to present a drug as the most effective, safe, or unique, to guarantee its effect, or to make incorrect comparisons with other drugs.

The committee reminded that advertisements for over-the-counter drugs must include a warning about contraindications and the need to consult a specialist.

The Competition Committee called on advertisers and distributors to strictly comply with legal requirements, and urged citizens to rely not only on advertisements but also on doctors’ recommendations when choosing and taking medications.

Previously, the committee fined Nika Pharm for using images of Amir Timur, Alisher Navoi, and other historical figures in an advertisement for the drug Rinoksil Formula+, deeming it disrespectful to the memory of ancestors and contrary to moral and spiritual values.

Source: www.gazeta.uz