Healthy Skepticism Library item: 6561

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: report

Lucas PN
Providing information to consumers: the role of the brand name pharmaceutical industry
Ottawa: Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Canada 1995 Oct 27
www.canadapharma.org

Abstract:

The pharmaceutical industry believes that it is a fundamental right for patients to have accurate information about the drugs they are taking and the industry wants to be directly involved in providing this information. A study found that misuse, waste and adverse reactions from medications cost Canada at least $7 billion a year. This waste can be prevented with patient education. A recent study showed that 87% of people wanted more information on prescription drugs. Over a 6 month period almost 45000 consumers called PMAC for a free information kit so they could learn how to use their medication correctly. The industry is not talking about advertising it is talking about information and education. It is current legislation that is stopping consumers from getting the information that they need.

Keywords:
*analysis/Canada/industry perspective/ consumer behaviour & knowledge/ direct-to-consumer advertising/ DTCA/ patient education material/ Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Canada/information from companies/ATTITUDES REGARDING PROMOTION: INDUSTRY/INFORMATION FROM INDUSTRY: PATIENTS AND CONSUMERS