Exploiting consumers

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The TGA’s Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code 4.2.d says: ‘An advertisement for therapeutic goods must not abuse the trust or exploit the lack of knowledge of consumers or contain language which could bring about fear or distress.’

IHRB uses the term ‘the balding gene’. No client would really know what this means. It sounds even more technical when the ads and brochures mention ‘DHT’. This ad at Appendix 1.8 says, ‘Can they guarantee that any of the above will block the balding gene (DHT) and regrow your hair or your money back? NO! …Well we can! GUARANTEED!’

[UPDATE: New Sanctions in November 2011 found IHRB’s ads unlawful and misleading. Read the latest by clicking here.]

IHRB is positioning itself as a company, who, through Mr Cohen, can block the balding gene. This is complete nonsense. This is exploiting the consumer’s lack of knowledge.

The amazing cosmetic hair transformations that are shown in the ads were not obtained through any genetic blocking. The results were obtained by using non-approved, dangerous products. These products, like Loniten, is not for hair growth. The medication is for serious heart conditions. And it can cause heart failure. The sad adverse-effect of Loniten is unwanted hair-growth on any part of the body, including forehead, harms, back, legs, ears, and face, which could all look ghastly and unattractive,

The other medications such as Retin-A can cause skin rash which can lead to pain and infections. The combination of Finasteride could lead to impotence and sexual dysfunction and erectile disfunction and other pain.

Proscar (not approved), Retin-A (criticised by the AMA), and Loniten (not approved) lead to hair growth PLUS dangerous side effects. This is not the impression that the ads give, of a skilled innovative specialist who can block the balding gene. It is all a lie. IHRB does nothing. It is the inappropriate medications that cause the hair growth that can lead to complications.

For a copy of the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code 2007 from the TGA, please click here.

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Days in breach of TGA Orders

As at 19 August 2015, Sam Cohen and IHRB are 544 days in breach of TGA Orders that demanded that IHRB stop its misleading, deceptive, and unlawful claims and to remove its statements from its website. The TGA also Ordered IHRB to publish a retraction on its website. Despite eventually publishing the retraction, IHRB is still in breach of these TGA Orders. Such a breach constitutes a criminal offence. To learn more, see the 'Days in breach' section in the menu at the top of this page.