Botox Spain: Why can’t it be advertised anymore?

From now on, the anti-aging treatment known as botulinum toxin—commonly referred to as Botox Spain—can no longer be advertised through any medium or channel, as doing so will be considered a very serious offense.

Stop on Botulinum Toxin (Botox) advertising

Recently, the Pharmaceutical and Health Products Control Department of the Community of Madrid reported having received several complaints regarding advertising aimed at individuals interested in the properties of Botox—medically known as botulinum toxin, a prescription-only medication. These advertisements were being carried out by aesthetic medicine and/or beauty clinics through their websites and social media platforms.

Therefore, the Community of Madrid has ruled that it is forbidden to advertise—either directly or indirectly—prescription medications such as botulinum toxin under any name (Botox), brand, active ingredient, abbreviation, hashtag, or synonym, according to the official definition of medicinal advertising. In other words, Botox may no longer be advertised in Spain, nor may training courses be offered if they could promote or encourage its use.

Botox Spain at plastic surgery and aesthetic medicine clinics

As a plastic surgery and aesthetic medicine clinic that performs this technique, we believe it is important to share the most up-to-date information on the matter and to confirm our full compliance with the regulations established by the Community of Madrid.

Therefore, we will not advertise medications that require a medical prescription, such as Botox Spain, nor will we offer incentives, gifts, prizes, contests, bonuses, discounts, or similar promotions related to the public marketing or sale of botulinum toxin—a treatment that effectively halts the signs of aging. Doing so would be considered a very serious violation.

Serious violations are defined in Articles 111.2.c.16 and 111.2.c.18 of the consolidated text of the Law on Guarantees and Rational Use of Medicines and Medical Devices, approved by Royal Legislative Decree 1/2015 of July 24 (hereinafter, the consolidated Law on Guarantees). According to Article 114.1.c of the same text, which outlines penalties for very serious infractions, such offenses are subject to fines starting at a minimum of €90,001.