Sci Eng Ethics. 2018 May 2. doi: 10.1007/s11948-018-0041-5. [Epub ahead of print]

Medicines Information and the Regulation of the Promotion of Pharmaceuticals.

Leonardo Alves T1, Lexchin J2,3, Mintzes B4.

Author information

1

Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, WHO Collaborating Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation, PO Box 80 082, 3508 TB, Utrecht, The Netherlands. t.leonardoalves@uu.nl.

2

Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada.

3

University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.

4

Faculty of Pharmacy and Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.

Abstract

Many factors contribute to the inappropriate use of medicines, including not only a lack of information but also inaccurate and misleading promotional information. This review examines how the promotion of pharmaceuticals directly affects the prescribing and use of medicines. We define promotion broadly as all actions taken directly by pharmaceutical companies with the aim of enhancing product sales. We look in greater detail at promotion techniques aimed at prescribers, such as sales representatives, pharmaceutical advertisements in medical journals and use of key opinion leaders, along with the quality of information provided and the effects thereof. We also discuss promotion to the public, through direct-to-consumer advertising, and its effects. Finally, we consider initiatives to regulate promotion that come from industry, government and nongovernmental organizations.