Category Archives: Advertising

Surf Coast Spring Skepticamp VII – 14 September 2019

Posted on September 17, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

My presentation, “Shayna Jack, sports supplements and regulators” may be of interest. by

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Australian Pharmacies sell contaminated CAMs; TGA regulation ratshit!

Posted on September 5, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

Recent Australian research has found nearly 50% of CAM products tested had contamination issues, with some showing the presence of animal ingredients, nuts, wheat, pharmaceuticals and toxins: See: https://ajp.com.au/news/australian-pharmacies-selling-contaminated-supplements/ https://www.ausdoc.com.au/news/doctors-warned-cam-contaminated-reindeer-and-frog-fragments https://www.theage.com.au/national/supplements-may-contain-traces-of-frog-but-will-they-make-you-croak-20190906-p52olk.html https://thenewdaily.com.au/life/wellbeing/2019/09/07/secret-ingredients-herbal-medicines/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31472365 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40290-018-0252-8 This is yet another example of … Continue reading →

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‘Reprehensible’ prescribing to vulnerable patients

Posted on August 14, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

MWI complaint submitted and publicised 23 June 2016; legal threats rebutted by Maurice Blackburne Lawyers pro bono, won 2016 Choice Shonky award, three years later we finally have an outcome. “A medical practitioner has been found guilty of professional misconduct … Continue reading →

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More complaints to TGA about illegal body building and weight loss supplements

Posted on August 8, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

The TGA recently had a $10 million fine awarded by the Federal Court against Peptide Clincs Pty Ltd for breaches of advertising regulations, including advertising prescription-only medicines to the public. However, the company involved had gone into liquidation some months … Continue reading →

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Multiple breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code by companies advertising weight loss products

Posted on July 29, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

The Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No. 2) 2018, s.26(3)(a) says: An advertisement for therapeutic goods containing any claim relating to weight management must not feature individuals in images or visual representations This version of the Code took effect on 1 … Continue reading →

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MyDNA pharmacy assistant rewards program

Posted on July 18, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

I allege that this program breaches S.18 of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code (No.2) 2018 “An advertisement must not offer any personal incentive to a pharmacy assistant, or any retail salesperson who is not a health professional, to recommend or … Continue reading →

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More problems with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Posted on May 22, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

Following a safety investigation by the TGA, Global Therapeutics, is recalling all batches and all pack sizes of its Fusion Hair Tonic and Oriental Botanicals Hairpro capsules, due to the risk of liver injury caused by an ingredient: Fallopia multiflora … Continue reading →

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University of Sydney pulls claims elderberries can fight flu

Posted on May 22, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

https://www.theage.com.au/national/university-of-sydney-pulls-claims-elderberries-can-fight-flu-20190515-p51nij.html The university initially stood by the claim, but on Monday, following repeated questions from The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald it acknowledged there was no evidence to support that assertion. It now has withdrawn the press release and … Continue reading →

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New WHO Guidelines on risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia

Posted on May 16, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

https://www.who.int/mental_health/neurology/dementia/guidelines_risk_reduction/en/ Relevant to concerns about FSANZ Standard 2.6.5 which has allowed products such as Souvanaid® and Ceretain® to be self-assessed and promoted for the dietary management of Alzheimer’s dementia or related mild cognitive impairment. On supplements, WHO says: Vitamins B … Continue reading →

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A medical food for depression?

Posted on May 14, 2019 by Dr Ken Harvey

Neurofolin® (containing 15 mg of L-methylfolate calcium) is a self-declared food for special medical purposes promoted for dietary support of depression management. Advertisments claim that L-methylfolate is, “an active form of folate known to be deficient in individuals with depressive … Continue reading →

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