Healthy Skepticism Library item: 20200

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: Magazine

Jenkins R
AMA on offensive over Xenical ads
Australian Doctor 2006 Mar 103
http://www.australiandoctor.com.au/news/latest-news/ama-on-offensive-over-xenical-ads

Abstract:

HE AMA has attacked a decision to allow the name of a weight-loss drug to be used in consumer advertisements, saying it could open the floodgates for other drugs.
The National Drugs and Poisons Schedule Committee (NDPSC) has recommended Roche be allowed to name in consumer advertising the drug orlistat (Xenical), which stops absorption of dietary fat, saying the move is in the public interest because of the obesity epidemic.
At present the medication, which has been available over the counter since 2004, is marketed under the slogan “Boost Your Diet – Ask Your Pharmacist”
GP and AMA therapeutics committee chairman Dr John Gullotta said the recommendation was dangerous. Making the exception for orlistat could clear the way for other lifestyle drugs to…