Exposed: The 'dangerous' prostate treatments being advertised on Facebook – Are you at risk from this unregulated menace?
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In the digital age, social media platforms like Facebook have become a central part of our daily lives, offering not just a space for social interaction but also a marketplace for goods and services. However, this convenience comes with its own set of risks, particularly when it comes to health-related products. Recently, Facebook has come under fire for allowing the advertisement of 'dangerous' unregulated prostate treatments on its platform, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of its users.
Earlier this month, an advertisement for a prostate patch, which claimed to relieve pain and ease urination problems, was flagged for breaching advertising rules by UK regulators. The product, sold by UK-based firm Nultqh GB, boasted that clinical research supported its '92 per cent' effectiveness in reducing prostate pain and '90 per cent' effectiveness in combating frequent urination. However, the Advertising Standards Agency found that no such research existed. Furthermore, the patches are not licensed by health regulators, meaning Nultqh GB cannot legally advertise them as a medical treatment.
Despite the ad's removal, an investigation by The Mail on Sunday revealed that seven ads for similar unlicensed prostate patches were still present on Facebook. These products, including those by the firm FivFivgo, claimed to provide 'targeted, continuous relief and support for your prostate'. The presence of these ads on Facebook has drawn sharp criticism from experts who argue that such unregulated products could pose serious health risks to patients.
Prof Claire Anderson, head of the Royal College of Pharmacology, warns of the dangers of purchasing medicines from social media platforms. She points out that these unregulated sources often sell counterfeit, expired, or substandard medicines, which can have severe health consequences. Unlike regulated pharmacies, sellers on social media are not bound by safety standards or legal requirements, making it difficult to ascertain the authenticity and safety of their products.
The issue at hand is not just about false advertising but also about the potential harm to individuals who may rely on these unregulated treatments. Social media companies are being urged to take greater responsibility in moderating and removing harmful content and products from their platforms.
In response to the controversy, a Meta spokesperson (Meta being the parent company of Facebook) stated that ads promoting the sale of over-the-counter medicines must comply with all applicable local laws. They confirmed that the content in question had been removed for violating Facebook's policies and that the company continues to invest in resources to improve enforcement against such content.
Nultqh GB and FivFivgo, the companies behind the unlicensed prostate patches, were approached for comment but have yet to respond publicly.
For our readers at the Seniors Discount Club, this serves as a stark reminder to exercise caution when considering health-related products advertised on social media. It's crucial to consult with healthcare professionals before trying new treatments, especially those that are not regulated by health authorities. Always ensure that any medication or health product you use is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia, which is responsible for regulating the safety, efficacy, and quality of therapeutic goods.
We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences. Have you come across questionable health product ads on social media? How do you ensure the treatments you consider are safe and regulated? Your insights could help fellow members navigate the complex world of online health products.
Earlier this month, an advertisement for a prostate patch, which claimed to relieve pain and ease urination problems, was flagged for breaching advertising rules by UK regulators. The product, sold by UK-based firm Nultqh GB, boasted that clinical research supported its '92 per cent' effectiveness in reducing prostate pain and '90 per cent' effectiveness in combating frequent urination. However, the Advertising Standards Agency found that no such research existed. Furthermore, the patches are not licensed by health regulators, meaning Nultqh GB cannot legally advertise them as a medical treatment.
Despite the ad's removal, an investigation by The Mail on Sunday revealed that seven ads for similar unlicensed prostate patches were still present on Facebook. These products, including those by the firm FivFivgo, claimed to provide 'targeted, continuous relief and support for your prostate'. The presence of these ads on Facebook has drawn sharp criticism from experts who argue that such unregulated products could pose serious health risks to patients.
Experts have criticised Facebook for allowing ads promoting ‘dangerous’ unregulated prostate treatments on its platform. Credit: Unsplash
Prof Claire Anderson, head of the Royal College of Pharmacology, warns of the dangers of purchasing medicines from social media platforms. She points out that these unregulated sources often sell counterfeit, expired, or substandard medicines, which can have severe health consequences. Unlike regulated pharmacies, sellers on social media are not bound by safety standards or legal requirements, making it difficult to ascertain the authenticity and safety of their products.
The issue at hand is not just about false advertising but also about the potential harm to individuals who may rely on these unregulated treatments. Social media companies are being urged to take greater responsibility in moderating and removing harmful content and products from their platforms.
In response to the controversy, a Meta spokesperson (Meta being the parent company of Facebook) stated that ads promoting the sale of over-the-counter medicines must comply with all applicable local laws. They confirmed that the content in question had been removed for violating Facebook's policies and that the company continues to invest in resources to improve enforcement against such content.
Nultqh GB and FivFivgo, the companies behind the unlicensed prostate patches, were approached for comment but have yet to respond publicly.
For our readers at the Seniors Discount Club, this serves as a stark reminder to exercise caution when considering health-related products advertised on social media. It's crucial to consult with healthcare professionals before trying new treatments, especially those that are not regulated by health authorities. Always ensure that any medication or health product you use is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia, which is responsible for regulating the safety, efficacy, and quality of therapeutic goods.
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