Healthy Skepticism Library item: 6921

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

Day R.
How to make the most of a visit from a pharmaceutical company representative
Australian Prescriber 2000; 23:(5):97-99
http://www.australianprescriber.com

Abstract:

Representatives of pharmaceutical companies visit health professionals principally to promote the prescription of their products. While the visit aims to change the prescriber’s behaviour, it is also an opportunity for the health professional to obtain important information. Modern representatives are well trained and should be able to answer questions about a drug’s efficacy, safety, utility and cost. However practitioners should be aware that the purpose of the visit is to alter their prescribing and there is the potential that the information they receive will be biased in favour of the product. Most representatives follow a code of conduct drawn up by the Australian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association. Complaints can be made to this association if the representative promotes a product inappropriately.

Keywords:
*analysis/Australia/