Healthy Skepticism Library item: 6963

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

Baumgartner A.
Re: Selling, or selling out?
Journal of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada 2000 Oct; 22:(10):786

Abstract:

A factual error in Ms Lippman’s editorial requires clarification: the legality of the campaign. Direct-to-consumer advertising is legal in Canada albeit with several key guidelines. In section C.011.044 of the Food and Drugs Regulations “prescription drug advertising is limited to name, price and quantity” of a drug but not the category and/or indication. Pharmaceutical companies can place ads discussing a “disease area” but not mention the products. Wyeth-Ayerst developed the Lesson Learned campaign to raise awareness about birth control and Alesse. The Consumer Drug Clearance Section of Advertising Standards Canada (ASC) was consulted. The ASC is the body responsible for reviewing prescription and non-prescription consumer advertising in Canada. They ensured that every ad complied with the legal requirements for prescription drug advertising. We feel that it is our responsibility to address social issues that affect women. The Lesson Learned campaign was a natural extension of the role. We remain proud of our ongoing work in this area.

Keywords:
*letter to the editor/Canada/