Egypt’s Drug Authority Warns Against Misleading Pharmaceutical Ads on Social Media

The Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) warned on Tuesday, 29 September, against misleading and unauthorised advertisements for pharmaceutical products circulating on social media, saying their promotion and misuse could pose risks to public health.

The warning came as the authority published a new series of regulatory notices documenting advertising violations involving pharmaceutical products promoted through Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

According to the EDA, the notices concern advertisements for registered pharmaceutical products that had not been approved by the authority and may contain misleading marketing claims that could lead to misuse and health risks.

Among the products identified in the notices were Tadanerfi, Nerhasilda, Biolegam, and Doumega, several of which are pharmaceutical products marketed for male sexual health. The advertisements appeared across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

The EDA stressed that the notices reflect its regulatory assessment based on the information available at the time of publication and do not constitute judicial rulings.

The authority urged consumers not to rely on unverified pharmaceutical advertisements circulating on social media and advised them to check official EDA sources to confirm whether products are registered and safe for use.

It also encouraged the public to report advertisements suspected of violating regulations through its official reporting channels or hotline at 15301, adding that reports are handled confidentially.

The warning comes amid growing use of social media to promote pharmaceutical products, including through influencers and other online content creators. The EDA regulates the registration and circulation of pharmaceutical products in Egypt, as well as advertising and promotional materials related to products under its oversight.