Unapproved Substances Policy
The unapproved substances policy blocks ads for prescription drugs without proper authorization, unregulated supplements making health claims, and recreational drugs of any kind on Google Ads. This policy catches a lot of supplement sellers by surprise because even legal products can violate it if you’re making medical claims without FDA approval or selling substances like nootropics that fall into gray regulatory areas.
Google takes this seriously. Violations can trigger immediate ad disapproval or account suspension, depending on what you’re advertising and the claims you’re making.
Example: A supplement company advertises a nootropic blend claiming it ‘cures brain fog and boosts IQ by 30%’ without any FDA approval or clinical studies, resulting in an unapproved substances policy violation and immediate Google ad disapproval.
