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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a letter to AbbVie, asserting that their advertisements for the migraine medication Ubrelvy, which feature tennis icon Serena Williams, are misleading.
According to the FDA’s letter, the ads exaggerate the benefits of Ubrelvy. The agency notes that the advertisements suggest Williams’ migraine is quickly relieved, whereas, in reality, multiple doses and several hours may be required to see effective results.
The FDA expressed concern that “health care providers, patients, and caregivers should not be misled about the expected benefits of acute migraine treatments. Furthermore, the use of a celebrity athlete in this advertisement amplifies these misleading claims and could lead viewers to find the promotional content more credible due to the celebrity’s influence.”
In the advertisement, Williams is quoted saying, “With Ubrelvy, there’s another option. One dose works fast to eliminate migraine pain.”
However, research indicates that most users do not achieve relief from moderate to severe headache pain within two hours of a single dose. Studies show that only 19% to 22% of users experience complete pain relief after two hours.
AbbVie’s partnership with Williams began in 2020. Williams, who has openly discussed her struggles with migraines, was chosen as a spokesperson due to her significant accomplishments both on and off the court.
Aimee Lenar, a vice president at AbbVie, stated in 2020, “Serena’s remarkable achievements and resilience make her an ideal spokesperson to raise awareness about this debilitating condition. As a respected athlete, entrepreneur, and mother, Serena exemplifies how to successfully manage life’s challenges while battling migraines. We are delighted that she has found relief with UBRELVY.”
The FDA approved Ubrelvy as a migraine treatment in 2019.
