Tanzania's Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA) has banned advertisements promoting prescription medicines marketed to reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption, citing risks of serious health complications without medical oversight. Dr. Adam Fimbo, TMDA's Director General, revealed that the authority identified ads for drugs like Naltrexone, Acamprosate, and Disulfiram on media and social platforms, emphasizing their classification as Prescription-Only Medicines (POM) under the 2026 Medicines Classification Regulations (GN No 150). 'Using these medicines without medical advice exposes users to high risks of adverse effects, including liver damage, nervous system impairment, and harmful drug interactions,' Fimbo warned, citing potential severity based on individual health conditions.
The TMDA reiterated that Section 52 of the Medicines and Medical Devices Act (Cap 219) prohibits public advertising of POMs, restricting information on such drugs to healthcare professionals via scientific journals or authorized publications. Fimbo directed traders, healthcare providers, media outlets, and social media operators to cease promoting these medications immediately, urging the public to report violations. 'Members of the public are urged to report any individuals, facilities, telephone numbers, media outlets, or accounts advertising or selling these products,' he stated, highlighting the authority's commitment to enforcing compliance.
TMDA emphasized the dangers of self-medication for alcohol dependence, stressing that professional assessment and supervision are critical. The agency warned against unverified claims in advertisements, which could mislead users into bypassing necessary medical evaluations. Fimbo noted that the risks vary depending on the drug and the user's health status, reinforcing the need for strict adherence to regulatory guidelines. The authority also reiterated its call for public vigilance, urging individuals to avoid relying on unverified sources for medical treatments.
To facilitate reporting, TMDA provided contact details for its offices in Dodoma, Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Arusha, Mbeya, Songea, Tabora, and Geita, as well as an email address ([email protected]). The move aligns with broader efforts to combat the distribution of unregistered medical products, including a recent initiative to destroy 300m/- worth of such items. The agency's actions underscore its role in safeguarding public health by regulating pharmaceutical advertising and ensuring safe medication use.