Promotion of Viagra Connect - Summary Report - July 2022
Published 21 September 2022
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/advertising-investigations-july-2022/promotion-of-viagra-connect-summary-report-july-2022
July 2022 Promotion of Viagra Connect by Hims UK Ltd.
A member of the public complained about an advertisement for Viagra Connect which appeared on Facebook. The complainant alleged that an advertisement for the prescription-only medicine (POM) sildenafil was proactively distributed via social media.
The medicine being promoted was an over-the-counter (OTC) product and not a POM as the complainant alleged. However, MHRA upheld the complaint in the view that the advertisement did not include the statutory requirements set out in regulation 291(2) of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012. Hims UK Ltd confirmed that they would amend their advertising so as to comply with the Regulations going forward and to make it clear that a specific OTC product is being advertised.
Annex 3 of the Blue Guide sets out the statutory particulars to be included in advertising to the public. Further guidance for service providers for treatment of erectile dysfunction is available here on our website and in appendix 6 of the Blue Guide.