Nurofen has been reprimanded for selling a 'misleading' range of near-identical products labelled as being specifically formulated for back pain, period pain, migraine and tension headaches.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) took the analgesic manufacturer to the Federal Court claiming the active ingredient was identical for each product and none were better or worse at treating specific types of pain.
The Federal Court on Monday ruled manufacturer Reckitt Benckiser pull all products from shelves within three months and publish corrections.
ACCC chairman Rod Sims said that despite their identical active ingredient, the specific ranges were often sold at an increased margin.
"Nurofen Specific Pain products were being sold at retail prices almost double that of Nurofen's standard ibuprofen products and the general pain relief products of its competitors," ACCC chairman Rod Sims said.
"Truth in advertising and consumer issues in the health and medical sectors are priority areas for the ACCC, to ensure that consumers are given accurate information when making their purchasing decisions."
In a statement, Nurofen spokesperson Montse Pena said: "Nurofen did not set out to mislead consumers".
A further court hearing will be scheduled to determine the cost of the fine.