Healthy Skepticism Library item: 6663

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

Position paper on direct to consumer prescription drug advertising
: Canadian Medical Association 1996 May
www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hpb-dgps/therapeut/zfiles/english/consult/wkshd2ca.zip

Abstract:

All stakeholders should, together, develop a code regulating all consumer informational materials concerning prescription products, including advertising, to ensure that the information provided is balanced, unlikely to cause harm and likely to produce public benefit. A board similar to the Pharmaceutical Advertising Advisory Board should be put in place to regulate DTCA. Advertising should not be allowed until: formal postmarketing studies have been completed; independently developed prescribing guidelines are available; and this information is made readily available to all prescribers. DTCA material should not be related to a specific brand name product and sanctions that have real meaning to pharmaceutical manufacturers should be in place.

Keywords:
*policy statement & guideline/Canada/DTCA/direct-to-consumer advertising/attitude toward promotion/regulation of promotion/quality of information/ATTITUDES REGARDING PROMOTION: HEALTH PROFESSIONALS/EVALUATION OF PROMOTION: DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER ADVERTISING/REGULATION, CODES, GUIDELINES: AUTONOMOUS BODIES