Healthy Skepticism Library item: 6881

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

Roughead EE.
The Australian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association Code of Conduct: guiding the promotion of prescription medicines
Australian Prescriber 1999; 22:78-80
http://www.australianprescriber.com/magazines/vol22no4/conduct.htm

Abstract:

Promotional messages are designed to be persuasive. Pharmaceutical promotion can influence not only the use of a product, but also our beliefs about medicines. For this reason, it is essential that promotional information is accurate, balanced and not misleading. In Australia, the promotion of prescription medicines is regulated by legislation and guided by the Australian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association Code of Conduct. The code sets standards for promotional activities, including the information content. The system is dependent upon a complaints mechanism for ensuring that promotion complies with the code, as most promotional material is not monitored by an independent body before publication. Health professionals should lodge complaints against misleading or inappropriate promotion to enhance the effectiveness of the system.

Keywords:
*analysis/Australia/ Australian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association/ Code of Conduct (Aus)/regulation of promotion/REGULATION, CODES, GUIDELINES: COMPLIANCE, SANCTIONS, STANDARDS/REGULATION, CODES, GUIDELINES: INDUSTRY SELF-REGULATION