Healthy Skepticism Library item: 2572

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: Journal Article

Bero L.
'Educational' advertisements - I haven't seen one yet!
Western Journal of Medicine 2001 Jun; 174:395

Abstract:

Since perestroika, Russian physicians have been exposed to drug advertisements in medical journals. The ads are characterized by a lack of information on indications, safety, drug interactions, and supporting resources (Vlassov et al. 2001), as is the case in the United States and other countries. Drug companies could link ads to resources with more detailed information. However, they respond slowly or not at all to requests for additional information, which is often from non-peer-reviewed, industry-sponsored studies. Ads are only one aspect of promotion, which is often disguised as education. Vlassov et al. could do a follow-up study analysing journal reprints, pamphlets etc. that are given to Russian physicians. They are likely to be promotional rather than educational, and are likely to fail to provide important information about drugs. Drug ads do not meet the standard of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association, the Food and Drug Administration, or the World Health Organization. Physicians must learn to seek information elsewhere. By critically appraising drug ads and other sources of information, physicians can use their time effectively to keep up to date on drug therapies.

Keywords:
*analysis Russia United States drug advertisements indications International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association Food and Drug Administration World Health Organization EVALUATION OF PROMOTION: JOURNAL ADVERTISEMENTS PROMOTION DISGUISED: PHYSICIAN EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL AND GUIDELINES PROMOTIONAL TECHNIQUES: JOURNAL ADVERTISEMENTS REGULATIONS, CODES, GUIDELINES: INDUSTRY SELF-REGULATION REGULATIONS, CODES, GUIDELINES: INTERNATIONAL CODES

Notes:

Commentary on 21380 (Vlassov et al. 2002)