Healthy Skepticism Library item: 6513

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Boots claims “Prothiaden sets the standard” and in one study “96% had responded to treatment and 94% did not experience intolerable side effects”
MaLAM Australian News 1994; 2:(1):1-2

Abstract:

Boots promotes Prothiaden (dothiepin) as being very safe and effective. These claims do not match the experience in the real world. The reason why Prothiaden is the most widely prescribed antidepressant in Australia may be due to the amount of money spent on promotion.

Keywords:
*analysis/Australia/developed countries/safety & risk information/efficacy/ psychotropic drugs/Prothiaden/dothiepin/Boots/ promotion costs and volume/MaLAM/Medical Lobby for Appropriate Marketing/EVALUATION OF PROMOTION: DRUG SAFETY/INFLUENCE OF PROMOTION: MARKET SHARE/PROMOTION AND HEALTH NEEDS: PROMOTION IN DEVELOPED COUNTRIES/PROMOTION IN SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC AREAS: PSYCHIATRIC DISEASES/VOLUME OF AND EXPENDITURE ON PROMOTION