The Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA) has banned advertisements promoting prescription medicines claimed to reduce or eliminate the urge to consume alcohol. The ban was announced by TMDA Director General, Dr Adam Fimbo, who warned that using such drugs without medical supervision could expose users to serious health risks. The authority identified advertisements on media outlets and social media platforms promoting medicines, including Naltrexone, Acamprosate and Disulfiram.
The banned medicines are classified as Prescription-Only Medicines (POM) under the 2026 Medicines Classification Regulations. As such, they should only be used under the prescription and supervision of a qualified medical practitioner. Dr Fimbo emphasized that using these medicines without medical advice or assessment exposes users to a high risk of adverse health effects. These effects may include harmful drug interactions, liver and other organ damage, as well as effects on the nervous system.
The severity of the health risks associated with the banned medicines depends on the type of medicine and the user’s health condition. According to Dr Fimbo, Section 52 of the Medicines and Medical Devices Act prohibits the advertising of prescription-only medicines to the general public. Information on such medicines may only be provided to healthcare professionals through scientific journals or other authorised medical publications.
The TMDA has directed traders, healthcare providers, media owners and social media operators to immediately stop preparing, broadcasting, publishing or distributing advertisements promoting the medicines. The authority also urged members of the public to report any individuals, facilities, telephone numbers, media outlets or accounts found advertising or selling these products. Reports can be submitted through TMDA offices or via email.
The public is advised to remain cautious about advertisements claiming that prescription medicines can treat alcohol dependence without professional assessment and supervision. The TMDA has offices in Dodoma, Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Arusha, Mbeya, Songea, Tabora and Geita, where reports can be made. Alternatively, reports can be submitted via email at [email protected].
Dr Fimbo stressed that the ban is aimed at protecting the public from potential harm. The TMDA is taking steps to enforce the ban and ensure that only authorized medical professionals provide information on prescription medicines. The authority is also working to raise awareness about the risks associated with using prescription medicines without medical supervision.
The ban on advertisements for prescription alcohol-treatment drugs is a significant move by the TMDA to regulate the use of such medicines in Tanzania. The authority's efforts are aimed at promoting public health and safety.
Key points
- The Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA) has banned advertisements promoting prescription medicines claimed to reduce or eliminate the urge to consume alcohol.
- Using these medicines without medical advice or assessment exposes users to a high risk of adverse health effects.
- Reports of advertisements or sales can be submitted through TMDA offices or via email at [email protected].
