Prescription Drug Advertising Update

 n today's digital age, social media platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram have become avenues for illegal drug sales, including counterfeit prescription medications laced with dangerous substances like fentanyl. These counterfeit drugs pose significant health risks, leading to tragic outcomes, especially among teenagers.​

Recognizing the gravity of this issue, U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mike Braun (R-IN) introduced the bipartisan Protecting Patients from Deceptive Drug Ads Online Act. This legislation aims to empower the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to address false and misleading prescription drug promotions by social media influencers and telehealth companies. Under the proposed act, the FDA would have the authority to issue warning letters and impose fines on those disseminating deceptive drug advertisements online. ​

By enforcing stricter advertising regulations, this legislation seeks to mitigate the spread of counterfeit drugs. False promotions can mislead consumers into purchasing unsafe medications from unverified sources, increasing the risk of exposure to counterfeit products. Enhanced oversight and accountability in drug advertising can help protect consumers from such dangers.​



At SSAPCO, we are committed to safeguarding our community from the threats posed by counterfeit drugs. We support legislative efforts like the Protecting Patients from Deceptive Drug Ads Online Act, which aim to enhance the FDA's ability to regulate online drug promotions and protect public health.​

We encourage parents to engage in open dialogues with their teens about the dangers of purchasing medications online and to stay informed about the evolving landscape of drug advertising and sales on social media platforms.​

By staying vigilant and supporting robust regulatory measures, we can work together to protect our community from the dangers of counterfeit drugs.

See the update:Bipartisan Bill Targets Deceptive Drug Ads by Telehealth Companie

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