Our ClientsPharmacies, Retailers & Online Clinics

What are the challenges for retailers & retail pharmacies?

Pharmacies and general retailers sell and advertise healthcare products such as over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, self-care medical devices, cosmetics, and food supplements. The advertising rules for each of these product categories differ significantly. Common advertising pitfalls include:

• errors due to unfamiliarity with the applicable advertising codes and guidelines 
• omission of essential information for medicines advertising 
• making medicinal claims for healthcare cosmetics 
• breaching the rules on volume and linked promotions 
• advertising POMs to consumers.

How can online pharmacies, clinics, & telehealth providers
avoid breaching the rules?

Online pharmacies, clinics, and telehealth providers often advertise services involving prescription-only medicines (POMs) for conditions such as weight loss, erectile dysfunction, hair loss, low testosterone, menopause and chronic pain. These materials must be produced with great care to comply with the regulations and codes of practice that prohibit the promotion of POMs directly to the public. Failure to comply with these rules is the leading cause of upheld complaints against medicines advertising, and non-compliance can lead to serious professional repercussions for superintendent pharmacists and pharmacy owners. As scrutiny in this area intensifies, tighter regulations and sanctions are being introduced, making it more important than ever to ensure your advertising is fully compliant.

Need us to check your website?

Pharmacies, online clinics and telehealth providers offering prescription-only medicines are facing increased scrutiny of their online content. If you’re unsure whether your website fully meets regulatory expectations, AdverCheck can carry out a detailed review. We identify potential compliance issues and provide clear recommendations to help minimise the risk of complaints, enforcement action or reputational harm.

Need help with copy review?

AdverCheck understands the pressures pharmacies face when advertising products and services in a tightly regulated environment. Ensuring compliance with legislation, guidance and codes of practice often sits alongside many other priorities, making it challenging to balance regulatory requirements with commercial objectives. We review and approve promotional materials for consumer and professional audiences across:

• healthcare services 
• over-the-counter (OTC) medicines 
• self-care medical devices 
• health-related cosmetics 
• food supplements
• clinics and telehealth providers, including those offering prescription-only medicines (POMs).

Whether you need support with a one-off project, a website, or an ongoing review and approval service, our team is here to help.