BAKU, July 16 — The growing trend of pharmacists offering medication advice on social media—particularly on platforms like TikTok—is raising alarms within Azerbaijan’s medical community. From livestream Q&As to viral videos recommending over-the-counter and even prescription medications, experts warn the practice is both medically unethical and legally questionable.
Pharmacists engaging in these broadcasts frequently issue concrete advice on medication usage without ever seeing the patient or reviewing their medical history or lab results.
“Every body is different,” said Dr. Adil Geybulla, a professor and Doctor of Medical Sciences. “Physiological characteristics and health conditions vary from person to person. Advice given through platforms like TikTok may not be appropriate for individual cases. Worse, it can result in serious side effects or dangerous drug interactions.”
Government: This Practice Is Illegal
According to the Center for Analytical Expertise under the Ministry of Health, it is illegal for individuals, including licensed pharmacists, to promote or recommend pharmaceutical drugs via social media livestreams or videos.
“Medications must be used only as prescribed by a qualified physician,” a Ministry spokesperson said. “Self-treatment based on social media advice is strongly discouraged. In cases where prescription drugs are advertised in this way, the names of violators are forwarded to law enforcement authorities for investigation.”
The statement underscores the growing tension between digital influence and clinical responsibility in Azerbaijan, where health misinformation can spread widely online.
Ethical & Legal Lines Blurred
The rise of so-called “pharma influencers”—even those with formal training—has brought into question the limits of medical speech in digital spaces. While pharmacists are trained professionals, they are not legally authorized to diagnose or prescribe, particularly in the absence of direct patient assessment.
Medical authorities argue that such social media behavior:
-
Erodes trust in the healthcare system
-
Encourages self-diagnosis and self-medication
-
Increases risk of misuse of prescription drugs
-
May inadvertently promote pharmaceutical marketing disguised as advice
The Path Forward
As the issue gains attention, medical associations are calling for:
-
Clearer regulations for online medical communication
-
Penalties for unlicensed pharmaceutical advertising
-
Public awareness campaigns warning of the dangers of online drug advice
Meanwhile, professionals like Dr. Geybulla urge citizens to consult certified physicians and avoid acting on medical content viewed on social media, no matter how credible it appears.
“What works for one person may harm another,” he stressed. “Medicine is not a one-size-fits-all discipline, and treating it as such—especially on platforms designed for entertainment—puts lives at risk.”
