The proposed restrictions on prescription drug advertisements could change how pharmacies and medicine distributors promote prescription-only medicines in India. The Union government has proposed amending the Drugs Rules, 1945, to strengthen oversight of advertisements by pharmacies, wholesalers and other licensed drug sellers.
The move could affect promotions involving popular GLP-1 medicines such as Mounjaro, Ozempic and Wegovy, which have attracted growing attention for their use in managing type 2 diabetes and, where indicated, weight loss.
Under existing rules, drug manufacturers are barred from advertising medicines covered under Schedules H, H1 and X, which require a doctor’s prescription. However, the rules do not explicitly extend the same restriction to retailers, distributors and wholesalers, creating a regulatory gap.
According to the Union Health Ministry, the proposed amendment aims to strengthen oversight across the pharmaceutical supply chain, discourage unauthorised promotion and reduce risks associated with inappropriate self-medication.
Why Mounjaro and Ozempic Promotions Are in Focus
GLP-1 medicines were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, with certain drugs also approved for weight management. Their growing popularity has increased attention on how they are marketed and accessed.
Doctors have warned that promotional offers and advertisements could influence patients to seek medicines without adequately considering medical suitability, dosage requirements and potential side effects.
Dr Reshu Agarwal, an internal medicine specialist at Yathartha Super Speciality Hospital in Noida, said advertisements could lead patients to overlook the importance of obtaining the correct prescription and understanding possible adverse effects.
She stressed that prescription medicines should be used under medical supervision because treatment requirements vary between individuals. Monitoring advertisements could also help prevent misleading claims, she added.
Antibiotics and Psychotropic Medicines Also Covered
The proposed changes are intended to reinforce safeguards for prescription-only medicines beyond GLP-1 drugs. These include certain antibiotics, psychotropic medicines and other treatments that require appropriate medical supervision.
The proposal follows recommendations made at the 93rd meeting of the Drugs Technical Advisory Board on February 16, 2026. The board considered the need for provisions governing advertisements by holders of drug sale and distribution licences.
The draft amendment was notified on September 28, according to the report. The government has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders and members of the public within 30 days of the relevant Gazette copies being made available.
Final Rules Yet to Be Decided
The proposed amendment is not yet a final rule. The Centre will consider submissions received within the prescribed period before deciding whether and how to finalise the changes.
If implemented, the rules could bring pharmacy and distributor promotions under clearer restrictions, potentially limiting how prescription medicines are advertised and discounted.
The broader objective is to ensure that decisions involving prescription medicines remain guided by medical advice rather than promotional messaging.
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