It is not allowed to associate (drugs) to use for treating COVID-19 unless and until there is supporting clinical evidenceJakarta (ANTARA) - An official of the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) emphasized that advertisements on traditional medicines appearing in the media are currently only for personal medical purposes, so the related information should be objective so as not to mislead consumers.
"Hence, what are the symptoms that can be self-diagnosed for self-medication that are allowed," BPOM's Director of Registration of Traditional Medicines, Health Supplements, and Cosmetics Dwiana Andayani stated during a webinar on traditional medicines and health supplements on Tuesday.
Most of the traditional medicines and health supplements used are for self-medication purposes, so the claims in advertisements should cater to laypersons or the general public to offer a lucid understanding to enable them to assess the symptoms they experience.
The information submitted must also be objective, complete, and not misleading to protect the public from excessive and incorrect use of the product.
Manufacturers can also include efficacy, uses, and information regarding items that consumers should take into account, such as contraindications and side-effects.
Furthermore, advertising must not take advantage of the people's concerns regarding a health problem and create a special perception in society that results in undue and improper use.
During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the agency prohibits claims of certain medicinal products, including herbs, that are associated with COVID-19 healing. She emphasized that there were no health supplement products or traditional medicines proven to counter COVID-19.
"It is not allowed to associate (drugs) to use for treating COVID-19 unless and until there is supporting clinical evidence," he noted.
They also prohibit product manufacturers to include testimonials in their claims due to their highly subjective and biased nature.
Andayani remarked that drug advertisements are mandated to secure approval from the BPOM to indicate that information in the advertisement is valid, accurate, and objective, and consumers can believe that the information provided is correct and not misleading.
"Traditional medicine and health supplement advertisements must first be registered with the BPOM, obtain an approval, and only then be displayed. If the advertisement does not go through the BPOM approval first, the supervisory department will withdraw the advertisement and impose sanctions on the business players," she cautioned.
The BPOM has coordinated with other ministries and agencies to monitor advertising, as several producers utilize various forms of media.
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Translator: Lia W S, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Sri Haryati
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