Pharmaceutical advertising gallery from all over…

Well, Consumers International recently commissioned a background report on issues of unethical drug promotion taking place in developing countries. The report was compiled by leading experts in the field of unethical drug promotion - Dr. Peter Mansfield of Healthy Skepticism, Dr. Maneerat Layton and Ms. Joana Ramos. As part of their research, the authors uncovered a number of examples of unethical drug promotion in Asia and Latin America.

Here a good example from the study: a GSK ad run in a health practitioners journal, India, 2005.

Why is this irresponsible?

Inappropriate indications… Depending on the price, Flutibact is an acceptable option for infected eczema. However, it is NOT appropriate for the other promoted indications: atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis because unnecessary use of antibiotics promotes the development of resistant bacteria. Promotion of inappropriate indications is in breach of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) code.

Omission of required information… The advertisement does not disclose any adverse effects or precautions. The IFPMA Code states that ‘Particular care should be taken that essential information as to pharmaceutical products’ safety, for example, contra-indications, precautions and side effects, is appropriately and consistently communicated, subject to the legal, regulatory and medical practices of each nation.’

Claim of remarkable safety!!! The advertisement asserts that Flutibact is ‘remarkably safe’. The IFPMA Code states that ‘The word “safe” should not be used without qualification’ and ‘Claims should not be stronger than scientific evidence warrants, and every effort should be made to avoid ambiguity.’ This also contravenes WHO Ethical Criteria.

This is just one example of irresponsible Big Pharma promotions which can, ultimatley, put consumer health at risk. You can find out plenty more on the subject by visiting Marketing Overdose