Published: XX July 2025
Safety Information
Alert communication
Warning: advertisements claiming Medsafe approval or bearing the Medsafe logo are scams
XX July 2025
We have seen an increase in websites and social media (including Facebook) posts claiming that Medsafe has approved, recommended, sponsored or endorsed certain products or services. These advertisements are fake. Medsafe has not approved or sanctioned them. Similarly, we have not approved the use of our logo by any other website or in social media. Other websites claiming to be Medsafe are also fake.
The Medsafe website is our only presence on the internet: medsafe.govt.nz. We have no social media presence. The information available on our website is reliable and is the primary source of information about our activities.
Our only approval process is for certain medicines under the Medicines Act 1981. You can search for approved medicines on our website using the Product/Application Search.
We have requested removal of this fake information from the internet. However, as these websites and social media platforms are usually based overseas, fake information often reappears.
Advice for consumers and healthcare professionals
- Medsafe does NOT advertise, recommend, sponsor or endorse any products or services advertised on the internet.
- Any advertisements claiming Medsafe approval or endorsements or claiming to be Medsafe are fake. Please ignore these advertisements.
- Medsafe’s only approval process relates to medicines. Search for approved medicines using our Product/Application Search.
- Do not purchase medicines and other products from internet sites where the legitimacy of the business or seller cannot be verified (eg, if the site claims to be a NZ pharmacy, check that the pharmacy actually exists).
- Medicines and other ‘health’ products purchased from the internet may cause harm, their quality, safety and effectiveness are unknown.
Further information
