Serena Williams, renowned for her tennis prowess, has publicly shared her struggles with chronic migraines for years. Recently, however, her association with the migraine medication Ubrelvy has sparked controversy.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has raised concerns about the accuracy of AbbVie’s advertisements for Ubrelvy, which feature Williams.
According to the FDA’s complaint, the ads create an exaggerated portrayal of the drug’s efficacy. They suggest that a single dose can swiftly eliminate migraine pain, a claim that, the FDA argues, does not align with the real-world results. In practice, it may take multiple doses and several hours for significant relief.
The FDA’s letter to AbbVie criticized the ads for potentially misleading health care providers, patients, and caregivers about the true benefits of Ubrelvy. The agency pointed out that featuring a high-profile figure like Serena Williams could make the misleading claims more persuasive due to her credibility and public image.
In the ad, Williams asserts, “With Ubrelvy, there’s another option. One dose works fast to eliminate migraine pain.” However, clinical studies present a different reality. Research indicates that only about 19% to 22% of users achieve complete pain relief within two hours of taking a single dose.
AbbVie’s collaboration with Serena Williams began in 2020, highlighting her personal battle with migraines. Aimee Lenar, a vice president at AbbVie, praised Williams, saying,
“Serena’s remarkable achievements both on and off the court make her an ideal ambassador to raise awareness about this challenging condition. Her resilience and success in managing migraines with Ubrelvy serve as an inspiring example.”
Ubrelvy received FDA approval in 2019 as a treatment for acute migraines. Despite its endorsement, the ongoing debate underscores the importance of accurate representation in medical advertising and the impact of celebrity endorsements on public perception.