Healthy Skepticism Library item: 3940

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

Franklin K.
The pharmaceutical tango
New Physician 1989; 38:(5):24-28

Abstract:

This article discusses a variety of promotional techniques including: drug lunches, sampling, detailing, awarding frequent flyer points for prescribing a drug, holding sponsored symposia in exotic locations and targeting key decision makers. Companies typically advertise the newest drugs which are usually more expensive than older ones but not necessarily more effective. The Food and Drug Administration tries to monitor promotion but is understaffed.

Keywords:
*analysis/United States/Food and Drug Administration/FDA/relationship between medical profession and industry/sales representatives/sponsored symposia & conferences/regulation of promotion/drug company sponsored meals and travel/drug samples/ETHICAL ISSUES IN PROMOTION: PAYMENT FOR MEALS, ACCOMODATION, TRAVEL, ENTERTAINMENT/EVALUATION OF PROMOTION: DETAILING/PROMOTION AS A SOURCE OF INFORMATION: DOCTORS/PROMOTIONAL TECHNIQUES: JOURNAL ADVERTISEMENTS/PROMOTIONAL TECHNIQUES: SAMPLES/REGULATION, CODES, GUIDELINES: DIRECT GOVERNMENT REGULATION