The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued 45 infringement notices totalling $742,500 to telehealth provider InstantScripts for the alleged unlawful advertising of prescription-only medicines.
InstantScripts Pty Ltd allegedly advertised prescription-only medicines in conjunction with the provision of telehealth services.
The company allegedly promoted the use and supply of medications such as antibiotics, insulin, blood thinners, and blood pressure and cholesterol medications.
Advertising prescription-only medicine directly to consumers is prohibited under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (the Act), as appropriate treatment options involving prescription medicines should be determined by a health professional in consultation with their patient.
Advertising directly to consumers could create an inappropriate demand for these medicines by patients and lead to unnecessary or harmful prescribing.
In June InstantScripts was acquired by retail giant Wesfarmers through its subsidiary, Australian Pharmaceutical Industries (API), in a deal worth approximately $135 million.
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