General information only, not medical advice. Please talk to your doctor about your health. In an emergency, call 000.
Last reviewed: 11 October 2026 · Published by Australian Men's Performance and Health Association Inc
If you scroll social media, you have probably seen ads promising more energy, better performance or a quick fix for getting older. Australia has rules about how therapeutic goods and health services may be advertised, and knowing the basics can help you tell information from marketing.
This guide gives a general, plain-English overview. It is not legal advice, and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and AHPRA publish the official guidance.
Who sets the rules
The TGA regulates medicines, devices and other therapeutic goods in Australia, including how they are advertised to the public. The Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code sets out requirements such as being accurate, balanced and not misleading.
Separately, registered health practitioners and the services they run must follow AHPRA advertising guidelines under national law. Together these rules aim to protect consumers from pressure and misleading claims.
Prescription medicines are not advertised to the public
In general, prescription-only medicines cannot be advertised directly to consumers in Australia. That is why a careful clinic talks about consultations and assessments rather than promoting a particular medicine.
Prescription medicines can only be supplied after assessment by a registered doctor. If you see ads naming or showing prescription products, or offering them with a discount code, that is a reason to be cautious.
Testimonials and before-and-after photos
AHPRA guidelines restrict the use of testimonials about clinical aspects of care in advertising by registered health services. Before-and-after images and stories of dramatic results can create unrealistic expectations, because outcomes vary from person to person.
When an ad relies heavily on personal stories, influencers or transformation photos, it is selling, not informing.
Guarantees and pressure
Health advertising should not promise outcomes, claim that something is completely safe, or pressure people to act quickly. Words such as “guaranteed”, “miracle”, “instant” or offers that expire in hours are warning signs.
Be similarly cautious of “free” offers that are really a route into a paid subscription. Read the terms before entering payment details.
What this means when you are choosing care
Use the rules as a filter. A clinic that follows them will focus on registered doctors, proper assessments, appropriate blood tests and ongoing follow-up, and will be clear about fees. A seller that ignores them may also cut corners elsewhere.
Check any doctor on the AHPRA register of practitioners before booking, and avoid services that skip an assessment.
Reporting a concern
When you come across an ad, try asking a few simple questions. Who is behind it, and can I find their registered doctors on the AHPRA register? Is it explaining a health topic in a balanced way, or pushing me towards buying something today? Does it mention risks and limitations, or only benefits? Is the price clear, and can I leave easily if I change my mind?
Influencer content deserves the same scrutiny. Paid partnerships are not always obvious, and a personal story about how someone felt is not evidence that a product or service is safe or suitable for you. Health decisions are individual, and the right starting point is a conversation with a registered doctor who knows your history.
It also helps to be wary of language that sounds medical but is vague, such as “optimisation”, “protocols” or “stacks”. These terms are often used to make a product sound more scientific than it is. A good doctor will use plain language, explain uncertainty honestly and never rush you.
Remember that a lack of advertising is not a sign of poor care. Many excellent doctors and clinics rely on referrals from GPs and do very little marketing. Choosing care based on registration, proper assessment and follow-up, rather than on the most eye-catching ad, is the safer approach for any man.
You can report advertising you think breaches the rules to the TGA, and concerns about a registered practitioner's advertising to AHPRA. Reports help regulators act on misleading marketing that could put other people at risk.
Check a doctor's registration on the AHPRA public register of practitioners.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check whether a doctor is registered?
Search the free public register of practitioners on the AHPRA website by name. The listing shows whether the practitioner is currently registered, their profession and any conditions on their registration.
Why don't legitimate clinics name medicines in their ads?
Prescription medicines generally cannot be advertised to the public in Australia. Legitimate clinics focus on consultations with registered doctors instead.
Are testimonials allowed in health ads?
AHPRA guidelines restrict testimonials about clinical aspects of care in advertising by registered health services, because they can be misleading.
How do I report a misleading ad?
You can report therapeutic goods advertising to the TGA and practitioner advertising concerns to AHPRA, using the forms on their websites.
Related reading
Speak with a registered doctor
This page is general information only and cannot assess your situation. A registered doctor can take your history, examine you and decide what, if anything, is appropriate for you.
Speak with a registered doctorAMPHA may receive fees for referring people to partner clinics, such as Third Spring Medical. Information on this site is general in nature and is not medical advice.