In light of ongoing public discussions about the practices related to the Medicinal Products Advertising Ordinance (Arzneimittel-Werbeverordnung, AWV), Swissmedic reaffirmed its legal mandate to uphold and enforce the relevant regulations. This mandate encompasses the systematic review of media content across diverse platforms, including print, radio, television, online, and social media. The primary goal is to ensure that no misleading claims are made regarding the efficacy or safety of medicinal products and that all disseminated information is scientifically validated.

The advertising regulations permit general health information, provided it does not directly or indirectly reference specific medicinal products. When medicinal products are mentioned in the context of general health topics, strict conditions apply: all therapeutic options, including non-pharmaceutical treatments, must be presented neutrally. No therapy may be portrayed as superior, and both positive and negative aspects of all therapeutic options must be disclosed. Violations, such as the promotion of specific drugs or the use of testimonials, are classified as advertising and may trigger sanctions.

Swissmedic actively investigates potential violations of the pharmaceutical advertising regulations and responds to reports from third parties. Proven violations may result in various enforcement actions, including administrative measures to cease misleading advertising, warnings, fines, product recalls, or criminal prosecution. Through proactive communication about applicable regulations and consistent monitoring, Swissmedic ensures transparency and the dissemination of information, thereby reinforcing public trust in the safety and quality of medicinal products.

For more information, see here. For the article covering the public discussion, see Abnehmspritzen-Berichterstattung: «Swissmedic muss Praxis ändern» - 20 Minuten.