Healthy Skepticism Library item: 16113

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Publication type: Journal Article

Rylett D.
IS THE DIOVANTAGE® PATIENT SUPPORT PROGRAM DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER ADVERTISING? - REPLY
Can J Clin Pharmacol 2009 May 13; 16:(2):287
http://www.cjcp.ca/pdf/CJCP08045reply_e287.pdf

Full text:

Dear Editor,
Novartis would like to clarify some facts
pertaining to the patient support program
DioVantage®.
It is important to note that a patient
compliance program such as DioVantage® is
aligned with the Canadian Hypertension
Education Program (CHEP) guidelines. We also
feel that it is important to state that our patient
support program is managed by an independent
third party company. At no time, does Novartis
have access to any patient information and the
program is compliant with applicable Canadian
privacy laws and regulations.
In addition, the program does not constitute
Direct-to-Consumer Advertising, as specified in
the Food and Drug Act, since the patient has
already received a prescription from a physician
and purchased the product before being exposed
to any information on DioVantage® found on the
leaflet inside the box. In other words, Canadians
who are not already treated with Diovan®, are not
exposed to the existence of the support program.
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. is
highly regulated internally and has a strict Code of
Ethics and Code of Conduct to respect.
Externally, we are proud to abide by the Rx&D
and PAAB codes.
I hope that this addresses the concerns
pertaining to the confidentiality of patient
information and the manner in which Diovan®
patients are made aware of the existence of the
DioVantage®program.
Dave Rylett
Brand Director, Diovan
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.