Can I say that in a healthcare ad?

Each page takes a phrase people ask about and a few sample sentences that contain it. The sentences run through the same engine and rule-set the product ships, at build time. The rule ids, reasons and sources on the page are what the engine returned, not our summary.

A clear result is not an all-clear, and none of this is legal advice. Read the limitations before you rely on any of it.

Wording that ties a product or service to an illness.

• Can I say “cures” in a clinic ad? Usually no.
• Can I say “treats depression” in a supplement ad? Usually no.
• Can I say “prevents cancer” in a supplement ad? Usually no.
• Can I say “reverse diabetes” in a telehealth ad? Usually no.
• Can I say “heals in 7 days” in a clinic ad? It depends.
• Is “miracle cure” allowed in healthcare advertising? Usually no.
• Can I say “anti-aging” in a med spa ad? Usually no.
• Can I say “detox” in a wellness clinic ad? Usually no.
• Can I say “fights COVID” in a supplement ad? Usually no.

Claims that say science, studies or numbers back you up.

• Can I say “clinically proven” in a med spa ad? Usually no.
• Can I say “studies show” in a clinic ad? Usually no.
• Can I say “doctor formulated” in a skincare ad? It depends.
• Can I say “works for 98% of patients” in a clinic ad? Usually no.
• Can I say “before and after photos” in a med spa ad? Usually no.

Wording about risk, side effects and who a product suits.

• Can I say “risk free” in a med spa ad? Usually no.
• Can I say “no side effects” in a supplement ad? Usually no.
• Can I say “zero risk” in a clinic ad? Usually no.
• Can I say “safe for kids” in a supplement ad? Usually no.
• Can I say “safe and effective for everyone” in a clinic ad? Usually no.
• Can I say “all natural” in a supplement ad? It depends.

Promises about how much, how fast and for how long.

• Can I say “guaranteed results” in a med spa ad? It depends.
• Can I say “100% guaranteed” in a clinic ad? Usually no.
• Can I say “permanent results” in a med spa ad? It depends.
• Can I say “instant relief” in a clinic ad? Usually no.
• Can I say “pain free forever” in a clinic ad? Usually no.
• Can I say “lose 20 pounds in 30 days” in a weight loss ad? Usually no.
• Can I say “melt fat” in a med spa ad? Usually no.
• Can I say “lose weight without diet or exercise” in a clinic ad? Usually no.

FDA wording and doctor endorsements.

• Can I say “FDA approved” in a med spa ad? It depends.
• Can I say “FDA cleared” in a med spa ad? It depends.
• Can I say “doctor recommended” in a supplement ad? It depends.
• Can I say “doctor approved” in a skincare ad? It depends.
• Can I say “compounded semaglutide, FDA approved” in a telehealth ad? Usually no.

Telehealth shortcuts, named drugs and wording that steers people away from their doctor.

• Can I say “no prescription needed” in a telehealth ad? Usually no.
• Can I say “no exam required” in a telehealth ad? Usually no.
• Can I say “skip the doctor” in a telehealth ad? Usually no.
• Can I say “stop taking your medication” in a supplement ad? Usually no.
• Can I say “same as Ozempic” in a telehealth ad? Usually no.
• Can I say “doctors hate this one trick” in a social post? Usually no.

Superiority and price claims.

• Can I say “#1” in a med spa ad? Yes, with conditions.
• Can I say “better than surgery” in a clinic ad? Usually no.
• Can I say “world-class” in a clinic ad? Yes, with conditions.
• Can I say “cheapest price in town” in a med spa ad? Yes, with conditions.

Free trials, free items, referral rewards and countdowns.

• Can I say “only 5 spots left” in a clinic ad? Usually no.
• Can I say “free trial” in a telehealth ad? Yes, with conditions.

Wellness wording that drifts into disease claims.

• Can I say “boost your immunity” in a supplement ad? It depends.
• Can I say “natural alternative” in a med spa ad? Usually no.