The Medicines (Advertising) Regulations 1994 prohibit the advertising of prescription only medicines, including botulinum toxin products, to the public. These regulations are enforced by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Fillers and cosmetic procedures are not covered by these regulations since they are not classified as medicines.
In 2009 to date, 189 advertisers have amended promotional materials relating to botulinum toxin products following MHRA action on complaints received. This includes 134 cases where the material reviewed consisted only of website information. Corresponding figures for the number of advertisers who amended their advertising for botulinum toxin products in 2006, 2007 and 2008 were 47, 125 and 75, respectively.