Healthy Skepticism Library item: 15355

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Publication type: report

MHRA
Advertising complaint: Qvar (beclometasone dipropionate): Leavepiece
: MHRA 2009 Mar 20
http://www.mhra.gov.uk/Howweregulate/Medicines/Advertisingofmedicines/Advertisinginvestigations/CON041380

Abstract:

A healthcare professional complained to the MHRA about an advertisement for Qvar produced by Teva, which was published in January 2008. The complainant was concerned that the leavepiece was misleading because it contained the claim, “Qvar has equivalent efficacy to fluticasone and CFC-beclometasone at equivalent doses”.
The MHRA upheld the complaint. Teva stated that they had already withdrawn the leavepiece in March 2008 and amended the claim to state, “Qvar has equivalent efficacy to fluticasone and CFC-beclometasone at equivalent therapeutic doses”.
This is consistent with the SPC which states, “The recommended total daily dose of Qvar is lower than that for current Beclometasone dipropionate CFC containing products and should be adjusted to the needs of the individual patient” and “Patients on fluticasone inhalers may be transferred to the same total daily dose of Qvar up to 800 micrograms daily”.